By Michelle Barry, the team leader for child health promotion at Healthy Cities Illawarra
Every child should learn to ride a bike and it is an important part of childhood. It’s a skill for life, helps keep kids active, they can get around more independently and it’s fun! Riding a bike to school has shown to have students more focused and ready to learn, and it’s something that can be enjoyed as a family.
Marketplaces and kerb sides are full of bikes for free/cheap, so pick one up (and get a good-quality helmet) and let the kids learn a skill for life at these 3 'learn to ride' playgrounds.
Stuart Park has a 'learn to ride' track that is perfect for beginners as it is flat and away from the main thoroughfare. It has turns to practise balance and long straights to allow little ones to get speed up. It’s graded and smooth, giving learners the best opportunity. It's suitable for balance bikes or training wheels, and the grassy area alongside will let them know when they’re going off track and provide a soft landing as needed.
This 'learn to ride' path has extra challenges with the addition of hills, ramps, give ways and sign posts to learn from (and dodge). It caters for the more advanced rider and is a great way for children to test their skills and limits. There is a one-way system teaching children which way to ride and common signs to help them learn the rules of the road before venturing out further.
This 'learn to ride' facility was designed to help teach local children to ride safely on the area’s roads and increase their fitness and health in a fun and safe environment. It’s a lovely, flat, extensive path that links into a cycleway and a bike parking area. With a lovely playground, sheltered picnic area and a dog off-leash area, it’s a great place for the whole family.
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