R
Richard
Guest
Peter Clinch wrote:
> Thanks Richard, that's now in place at
> http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/cyclecheck.htm
Your improvements are good stuff. Unfortunately I have no digital
camera here, so I can't contribute pics. I'll consider it again at
leisure to see what else needs saying. Now, here's my plan for
"Checking the Rider".
<begin blurb>
Checking the Rider.
Whilst cycling needs no specialised gear (other than the bicycle!) to
enjoy safely, there are a number of small checks that should be done to
enhance your child's riding experience. [That introductory sentence
should have its goolies cut off and then fed to rabid wolves, but
eloquence has temporarily deserted me and run off with the milkman.]
1. Gloves are potentially the most useful comfort aid. They keep the
hands warm in cold weather (remember, cyclists cannot put their hands in
their pockets to warm them up!) and provide protection against scrapes
and grazes in the unfortunate event of your child falling off the bike.
Cycle-specific gloves often have padded palms to make gripping the
handlebars more comfortable. Any gloves worn must allow your child to
easily operate brakes and gears.
2. Loose clothing should be secured so that it cannot be caught up in
the bicycle. Trouser legs should be secured with traditional bicycle
clips, reflective bands, or tucked into socks. Skirts, shirts, coats
and jackets should not be flapping loose, as they could be drawn into
the rear wheels. Shoes should be securely attached to the feet.
3. Cyclists, particularly children, are very prone to sun- and
wind-burn. On bright days, particularly in the springtime and around
noon, they should wear appropriate sunblock and a hat (secured, if
necessary, with a cord). They may find they are more comfortable in
bright sunshine wearing sunglasses, which have the added benefit of
keeping out dust and insects!
4. Cyclists can do more work than pedestrians, so their clothing should
allow for warming up. Conversely, freewheeling in cold weather can
rapidly lead to the cyclist becoming chilled. On shorter rides, this
will not be a problem. As your child becomes more experienced and goes
on longer rides, then they may be more comfortable wearing a wicking
base layer and a windproof outer layer, just as they would for any
outdoor activity. It is not necessary to buy expensive lycra!
5. Check the fit of your child's bike by asking them how they feel.
Numb, aching, or tingling hands may indicate that they are putting too
much weight on their hands; raise the handlebars slightly. Aching
knees can indicate that the saddle is too low (see Fitting). On longer
rides or in hot weather, they will need something to drink before and
during the ride.
[potential here for pointers to 'safety' section re: helmets, and
pointers to 'choosing a bike' re: backpack/panniers/carrier bags slung
on handlebars.]
[also potential somewhere for 'make sure your child carries 50p for the
phone/any essential medication/contact details', but maybe in safety?]
> Thanks Richard, that's now in place at
> http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/cyclecheck.htm
Your improvements are good stuff. Unfortunately I have no digital
camera here, so I can't contribute pics. I'll consider it again at
leisure to see what else needs saying. Now, here's my plan for
"Checking the Rider".
<begin blurb>
Checking the Rider.
Whilst cycling needs no specialised gear (other than the bicycle!) to
enjoy safely, there are a number of small checks that should be done to
enhance your child's riding experience. [That introductory sentence
should have its goolies cut off and then fed to rabid wolves, but
eloquence has temporarily deserted me and run off with the milkman.]
1. Gloves are potentially the most useful comfort aid. They keep the
hands warm in cold weather (remember, cyclists cannot put their hands in
their pockets to warm them up!) and provide protection against scrapes
and grazes in the unfortunate event of your child falling off the bike.
Cycle-specific gloves often have padded palms to make gripping the
handlebars more comfortable. Any gloves worn must allow your child to
easily operate brakes and gears.
2. Loose clothing should be secured so that it cannot be caught up in
the bicycle. Trouser legs should be secured with traditional bicycle
clips, reflective bands, or tucked into socks. Skirts, shirts, coats
and jackets should not be flapping loose, as they could be drawn into
the rear wheels. Shoes should be securely attached to the feet.
3. Cyclists, particularly children, are very prone to sun- and
wind-burn. On bright days, particularly in the springtime and around
noon, they should wear appropriate sunblock and a hat (secured, if
necessary, with a cord). They may find they are more comfortable in
bright sunshine wearing sunglasses, which have the added benefit of
keeping out dust and insects!
4. Cyclists can do more work than pedestrians, so their clothing should
allow for warming up. Conversely, freewheeling in cold weather can
rapidly lead to the cyclist becoming chilled. On shorter rides, this
will not be a problem. As your child becomes more experienced and goes
on longer rides, then they may be more comfortable wearing a wicking
base layer and a windproof outer layer, just as they would for any
outdoor activity. It is not necessary to buy expensive lycra!
5. Check the fit of your child's bike by asking them how they feel.
Numb, aching, or tingling hands may indicate that they are putting too
much weight on their hands; raise the handlebars slightly. Aching
knees can indicate that the saddle is too low (see Fitting). On longer
rides or in hot weather, they will need something to drink before and
during the ride.
[potential here for pointers to 'safety' section re: helmets, and
pointers to 'choosing a bike' re: backpack/panniers/carrier bags slung
on handlebars.]
[also potential somewhere for 'make sure your child carries 50p for the
phone/any essential medication/contact details', but maybe in safety?]