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Step 1
Make sure your child is old enough and tall enough to ride on it. In most cases, a 4-year-old can start riding one. Your child should be trusted to stay on the bike and follow directions. She should be able to reach the pedals. If she can’t pedal, she will lose her balance. Some brands offer a backrest which supports the child and also keeps them buckled in.
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Step 2
Lay out some ground rules: Stay seated. Don’t wiggle. Speak up when you need something. Explain that you will be able to hear your child on the bike, but that you can’t see him. When he wants to slow down or stop, he should say so. If he wants to turn, he will need to use directions, not point or say, “that way!”
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Step 3
Ride slower than you do when riding solo, but not so slow that you are rocking back and forth. Staying in your saddle will also keep the bike from rocking.
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Step 4
Take corners slowly. Your child is probably not used to leaning on a bike like you.
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Step 5
With more weight behind you, the bike will be harder to stop than normal. Give yourself plenty of room before stop signs. If you have a choice of bikes to attach to your tagalong, use one with disc brakes versus rim brakes because you will be better able to stop.
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Step 6
Observe all traffic safety rules of the road.
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Step 7
You and your child should always wear a properly fitted helmet.
Comments
Susanh said
on 8/17/2008 This looks like fun and a great way to ease a young one into bicycling. 5*****
melwetzel said
on 8/8/2008 Nice article, I'm reading all about Tagalong bikes today!!