A bicycle ride around the neighborhood together is one of life's simple pleasures.

Whether your little one is secured in a safety seat on the back of your bicycle or riding beside you on a tricycle or her own bicycle with training wheels, a bike ride is a great way to tour the neighborhood together.

When it comes time for those early riding lessons, there isn't a kid alive who doesn't want the security and reassurance of having Dad or Mom run alongside holding on to the bike. Bicycling is usually at the top of the list of favorite parent-child sports (especially on a tandem bike), and it's an activity that can be enjoyed together for years.

Step-by-Step:
1. Choose the right route.  Try to ride on less busy side streets or find a bike path so you only have to share the road with other riders and walkers, not with cars. Try your local park, because it probably will have paths and trails. When possible, it’s always a good idea to take a map and navigate with the kids. If you have a GPS or compass, bring it along. Make sure the trail you choose is suitable for kids.

2. Have fun. From running errands to going on a leisurely adventure, decide if there is a purpose to your outing, or is it just to have fun? Here are some ideas:

• Go gocery shopping. Make sure you have a basket or paniers attached. Bike to the store and have the kids help you get what you need.
• Explore Your area. Find a path system in your city, or go to a park with nature trails. Bike routes can be beautiful and refreshing.
• Commute. Bike with the kids to school or to work if possible. That way you can get exercise by carrying out regular daily activities.
• Meet your neighborhood. Environmentalist David Suzuki suggests making a map of all the schools, libraries and parks in your area and then going to explore.

3. Be safe and comfortable. Before the age of 9, children do not have the balance or judgment to ride safely on their own, so they need you. Make sure you explain the rules to them over and over again.

• Children should walk their bikes across the road or train tracks; they should stop before entering the road, then look left, ahead, right and left again.
• Always follow all traffic rules and teach them to your children. Come to a complete stop at stop signs, for example, and ride on the right hand side of the road. Sidewalks may be the best place to practice riding but once children have developed the necessary skills (usually age nine and up) they should ride on the road where other drivers can see them. If the young biker is learning on the sidewalk, remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way and driveways or alleys should be considered intersections.
• When biking, never make a turn without looking behind you first.

4. Helmets are the most important piece of biking equipment. Here are some standard criteria to look for from CSA International:

• Helmets need to fit properly. That means they should be snug, sit perfectly on top of the head and not move forward, backwards or slide off. Straps should be snug without pinching. There should be two finger widths between the eyebrows and helmet.
• If the child is under the age of 5, make sure she has a special CSA certified helmet that provides the additional cushioning to adequately protect their growing heads from injury.
• Avoid dark helmets. Brightly colored helmets make the rider more visible in traffic and reflective strips can be added to enhance if necessary.
• For comfort, look for air vents in the helmet that will allow heat to escape. If a helmet is in a crash, throw it out. Helmets not in crashes should be replaced every five years.
• To help with your helmet choice, go to a sports store with knowledgeable staff. Look for industry approval markers such as a CSA certification sticker.

Materials:
Bikes
Training wheels
Bike helmets
Map
Safety seat