May is Bike Safety Month, we asked our friends at OrthoCarolina and Thirty Sixth Street Racing to share some tips about riding as a family, where to ride in Charlotte, tell us what to do with old bikes and more! For more information about Thirty Sixth Street Racing or OrthoCarolina check them out online! Make sure you are a fan or OrthoCarolina and Thirty Sixth Street Racing on Facebook
What is a good age to start to teach kids to ride a bike?
I think the minute you feel your child is ready to go. The key is not to force it. Make it fun, and your kid will want to do it over and over again.
Any tips for taking off the training wheels?
Again, try not to force it. The key is teaching balance. Pedaling comes second. A good option is a balance bike. They teach the child how to handle the bike before introducing pedals and chains.
My child hates her bike helmet, do they really have to wear one when they are just riding on the sidewalk in the neighborhood?
Helmets continue to be a controversial topic. Many of us of a 'certain age' grew up riding bikes without helmets. I've been known to ride in the neighborhood without my helmet, but I won't go on a group ride or training ride without one. That said, parents need to make the right decision for their child. Explain to the child why helmets are needed and lead by example. Here is an interesting take on the subject.
What are some tips to start biking as a family?
Honestly, just get out there and do it. Throw your leg over the top tube and pedal! Make it a fun all family affair. Make it a habit!
Where are some good places to bike as a family in Charlotte?
Charlotte is getting more bike friendly year by year. The Whitewater Center, Sherman's Branch are two great places for MTB. Freedom Park is a great place to start and end a ride on the greenway. For smaller children, why not take your kid to a "bike rodeo" or skills clinic.
I have a garage filled with bikes my kids have outgrown, where can I donate them to kids who don't have bikes?
Charlotte is lucky enough to have our own chapter of Trips For Kids. They bring in "dusty not rusty" used bikes and refurbish them via their Re-Cyclery program. The funds generated from sales go towards bike education/ownership/advocacy programs for children in the Optimist Park community.
What are some great biking resources?
I rely heavily on Weeklyrides.com. It's a great resource for charity rides, education clinics, group rides and races in the Charlotte area. BikeCharlotte.com has a great listing of Charlotte-based family-friendly events during Bike Month. But your best resource is always going to be your local bike shop. Ask them questions. Test ride bikes. You'll be surprised how much knowledge is available at the counter.
Tell us a little bit about Bike Safety Month
Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more folks to give biking a try. It's important to show the community that biking isn't just spandex and road bikes. To develop as a bike-friendly town, we need more people in Charlotte riding to work, the grocery store and around their neighborhoods.
How does OrthoCarolina partner with the local biking community?
As you can imagine, riding bikes can occasionally stress muscles that are underused/overused caused by improper fit or technique. OrthoCarolina is there to support our team and the cycling community every step of the way through a very active partnership. Advice from PTs, support from the staff in selecting the right physician, or even better, understanding that surgery isn't necessary.
