When your child cycles in a public space like a park, they will need to get into the habit of looking over their shoulder to check if it is clear before starting or finishing any journey, or before changing their position. You should explain to them that pedestrians normally have priority over cyclists in parks where cycling is permitted so cyclists should slow down for them and pass them wide.

If your child is riding with other cyclists in a group, you can introduce some responsibilities for this. For example, you should explain to your child to not ride too close to the rear wheel of the rider in front of them: A bike-sized gap – or further apart if riding at higher speeds – will normally be suitable to allow your child enough time to slow down or stop if the rider in front does so. Then, when stopping, you can teach your child to stop behind the rider in the front with about the space of a small bike wheel between their front wheel and the rear wheel in front.

When following another rider it can be tempting to look down at the rear wheel of the rider in front. You should encourage your child to instead keep their eyes up so they can better take in their surroundings. Teaching them to look at the level of the back or shoulders of the rider in front can be helpful to ensure that they look up enough and can better see what is in front of them.

If your child is following another rider it is important that you impress on them the importance that they still make their own decisions – with your supervision or support if necessary – when riding in a group. For example, if a path is clear for the rider in front but not for your child, then you should encourage them to make their own informed decision as to whether or not to proceed. This will help them to grow in independence as a rider and make good and informed decisions when riding in public spaces.

“Doubling up” is a helpful technique that your child can practise when riding with you, with a sibling, or friend. It can be a helpful strategy for when riding in larger groups since it enables riders in a group to stay in a shorter, more compact line. Doubling up involves you or your child looking behind and then, when it’s clear, moving up alongside the rider in front to ride two-abreast. When switching between single and double file lines it is important that the rider who is doubling up or singling out checks behind before changing their position. Doubling up and singling out requires riders to work together since the riders need to adjust and manage their speed to ensure wheels don’t clash.

If your child is riding with friends, it is important they support each other through communicating with each other, calling out hazards, and riding at a suitable pace that all riders in the group can manage. It can be helpful to have slower riders at the front of a group. This will ensure they don’t get “dropped” and the group sticks together.

How can I teach my child about sharing space and riding bikes with other children?

Unii's Learning to Cycle Journey covers sharing space and riding with other cyclists.