5 tips for cycling safely with kids

Posted 4 November, 2025 Charlotte Jackson

There’s something special about a family bike ride in summer: the breeze, freedom and joy on your little one’s face.

But cycling with kids comes with extra considerations. Whether they’re riding with you or starting to pedal on their own, safety comes first.

From bike seats and trailers to helmets to handlebar placement, here are a few things to consider before heading out on two wheels with your child.

1. The classic option

Rear-mounted bike seats

Many parents choose rear-mounted bike seats for their kids, and for good reason. They’re easy to install, relatively affordable, and let your child sit securely behind you. Most are designed for toddlers aged 12 months and older, provided they can sit upright and wear a properly fitted helmet.

But with your child’s weight sitting high and to the rear, it can affect your balance, especially when mounting or stopping the bike.

Safety tip: Choose a rear seat with a strong harness and foot straps, and practice getting on and off the bike with your child seated before your first ride.

2. Up close and personal

Front-mounted bike seats

Front-mounted seats sit between your chest and the handlebars, giving your child a front-row view and letting you keep an eye on them throughout the ride. They’re great for short, gentle trips, but they can affect your steering and limit your movement, especially on longer rides.

Some parents prefer this option for smaller children because of the closer contact, but it’s important to make sure it doesn’t compromise your control.

Safety tip: If using a front-mounted seat, make sure your knees clear the seat comfortably when pedalling and your child’s hands stay inside the handlebars.

3. A stable solution

Trailers

Tow-behind trailers – the kind that look like little enclosed carts – are a popular choice for young children, especially those who aren’t quite ready to sit in a bike seat. They offer excellent stability and keep your child lower to the ground, which can reduce the risk of serious injury if you fall.

Trailers can often carry one or two children, and some can be converted into strollers or joggers. The trade-off is that they can be less visible to other road users, so high-visibility flags, reflectors and lights are a must. Bright  colours also help other road users to see you.

A robust connection to the bicycle that includes a safety chain and permits adequate left and right turn movement is essential

Safety tip 3: Only use trailers with a five-point harness and never exceed the manufacturer’s weight or age limits. Children must always wear a helmet inside the trailer.

4. A helmet check

Whether your child is riding with you or pedalling solo, a helmet’s required. It’s the law in SA, and more importantly, it’s a critical safety item that only works if it fits properly.

A helmet should sit level on your child’s head, low on the forehead and snug all around. It shouldn’t move side to side, and the chin strap should be tight enough that only two fingers can fit underneath.

Safety tip 4: Always bring your child with you when buying a helmet. Look for one that meets the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 2063) and adjust it carefully for a snug fit.

5. Kids riding solo

There’s no set age for when a child is ready to ride independently. It depends on their coordination, confidence and road awareness. Many start on balance bikes from 18 months old, with pedal bikes becoming more common between ages three and six.

In South Australia, children and adults alike can ride along the footpath. It’s a great way for the littlies to build up confidence before they take on busier bike tracks or shared paths.

Safety tip 5: Stick to parks, quiet streets and shared-use trails while your child builds experience. Go at their pace, not yours. Make sure that know how to safely stop as well.

Cycling with kids is one of the best ways to enjoy a South Australian spring. But before you set off, take time to choose the right setup, fit your little one’s helmet properly and practice together. Help them to understand basic road rules. With the right habits and gear, you’ll not only make memories, but you’ll also help keep your little rider safe along the way.