Riding a bike

Cycling is a great form of exercise and a lovely way to spend time outdoors. For all children, learning to ride a bike can be a challenge and it’s important to be mindful of road safety. 

When a deaf child is learning to cycle, there may be additional things to think about. But with a few adjustments and the right equipment, you can help them to cycle with confidence and enjoy getting out on their bike!

Road safety

It’s very important that all children know how to stay safe while cycling. Road safety charity Brake has some great tips to keep children safe while riding a bike.

For deaf children, there may be some extra things to consider when it comes to road safety. 

While hearing children may listen out for dangers like oncoming traffic, deaf children often need to rely more on spotting hazards visually. 

Before you go out cycling with your child, talk to them about safety. You could discuss:

• The route you will be taking and any points where they should be particularly careful.
• How far ahead or behind you they are allowed to ride.
• Any places you want them to stop completely and wait for you.
• Any hand signals you want to use (for example, turn left or right, car coming, slow down).

Building confidence

Lots of children find it difficult to ride a bike at first. There are many ways to build up children’s confidence while cycling, so they can learn and have fun.

Balance

The ear plays an important role in balance. Because of this, some deaf children may find balancing on a bike a bit more challenging. This can affect their confidence.

You can build up to balancing independently by using other kinds of bikes:

• Some parents recommend using a tag-along. Essentially, this is a child’s bike with no front wheel, that can be attached to the back of an adult’s bike on a long tow bar. Children can get used to balancing on a bike, while the adult controls the steering.
• Younger children may benefit from trying a balance bike. This is a small bike without pedals that a child moves by pushing their feet against the ground. They are usually recommended for children aged between 18 months and 4 years. Children can develop their balance before worrying about pedalling.
• Some children may prefer to start with a scooter. Here, they can also develop their balance without having to pedal.

Developing their balance skills away from a bike before can help children feel more stable and confident when they begin learning to cycle.

Independence

Many children feel nervous about using their bike independently. There are many things you can do to build up their confidence.

• Begin by having your child ride between two adults on their bikes, so they feel protected on both sides. As they become more confident, you can try with just one adult riding or walking alongside, before letting them take the lead.
• Walk the route before trying to cycle it. Talk about anything they should watch out for along the way.
• Build up their independent cycling. For example, you could challenge them to cycle as far as the next three lamp posts or the end of the path.
• If they use a radio aid, bring this with you on bike rides. It will allow you to speak to them directly without having to be right next to them. 

Cycling equipment

Cycle helmets

Before any child starts cycling, it is very important that they have a well-fitted, good quality bike helmet that meets UK safety standards. The Road Safety Trust has information on cycle helmet safety ratings.

Although a helmet won’t stop accidents happening, it will make sure the wearer is well protected from serious head injury. 

Hearing aids and implant technology come in different shapes and sizes and so do cycle helmets. Some people who wear behind-the-ear hearing aids find that standard helmets work fine for them. Other hearing technology users may need a different solution.

Here are some other options for hearing technology users:

• Try different types of helmet. Some hearing aid users like wearing BMX-style helmets, as these cut up behind the ear.
• Consider an adult helmet that can be adjusted down. This will give enough space to fit over implants, before being tightened for a safe fit.
• Some people recommend buying a helmet with a knob adjuster, as it lets you change the size more precisely than using straps. This can help get a better fit over hearing technology.

It's a good idea to visit a reputable cycle shop and try on different helmets in person. This will help you make sure you’re getting the best fit.

Bike mirrors

Bike mirrors can be useful to make sure your child develops good visual awareness and knows what’s going on all around them. Mirrors can usually be attached to handlebars and some types can be clipped on to cycle helmets.

However, it’s also important that your child learns to establish eye contact with drivers when cycling in traffic to make sure they’ve been seen.