Overview
Riding with your child in a seat mounted to the bike can be lots of fun when properly and safely done. These seats can either be mounted to the frame over the rear wheel behind the rider or mounted to the top bar of the bike in front of the rider. It is important to understand that your child adds weight to the bike, raising the center of gravity. With the right care and practice, you and your child can enjoy a nice ride together.
Step 1
Begin using a bicycle-mounted seat when your child is around 12 months old. Do not use a bicycle seat with a child that is too tall or heavy for the seat. Refer to the manufacturer recommendations for details.
Step 2
Consider your bicycling abilities first. Ensure that you are comfortable with riding and handling a bicycle in different riding conditions before taking your child for a ride.
Step 3
Practice riding your bike with the seat in place, but without the child sitting in it. This will help you become more comfortable with having the bicycle seat in place.
Step 4
Familiarize yourself with the seat having weight in it. Strap a plastic bag full of laundry into the seat to get the feel of more weight. Practice starting, riding, turning, stopping and standing still to get the feel of the additional weight.
Step 5
Ensure that both you and your child are wearing certified bicycle safety helmets when riding.
Step 6
Lean the bicycle against a wall for stability. Place your child in the seat and make sure all buckles and straps are firmly fastened and properly adjusted.
Step 7
Mount your bicycle, steadying it constantly. Center the bike under you and start off. Constantly monitor the center of gravity and road conditions to keep your bike properly aligned.
Step 8
Keep your speed under 15 miles per hour. Minimize jolts and bumps to your child by avoiding riding over curbs, pot holes or other hazards.
Step 9
Talk with your child and check frequently to make sure he is safe and secure.
Step 10
When coming to a stop, allow for the increased stopping distance. Remember to compensate for the increased weight and higher center of gravity. Grasp the handlebars firmly and use your body to center the bike to maintain balance.
About this Author
In Jacksonville, Fla., Frank Whittemore is a content strategist with almost a decade of experience as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and licensed paramedic and more than 15 years writing for several Fortune 500 companies. Whittemore writes on topics that include medicine, nature, science, technology, the arts, cuisine, travel and sports.
