The Bay Area celebrates ‘Bike To Wherever Days’ in May, and there are no age limits; even our toddlers are celebrating!
This year for Bike to Wherever Day 2025, I was excited to learn that an East Bay preschool celebrated bicycling and teaching safety measures. The school blocked off part of the parking lot, required helmets, and brought in volunteers so toddlers could safely enjoy riding with their preschool friends.
Teaching Bicycle Safety At An Early Age
This event is a great example of how to teach young and inexperienced riders how to ride, and ride safely. The earlier safety protocols are learned, the more likely they are to become instinctive. Compare it to wearing a seat belt: People who grew up with mandatory seat belt laws are now more likely to buckle up instinctively. In contrast, those who didn’t have that law as kids often need a reminder.
With that being said, celebrating bicycling and safety measures, like wearing a helmet and being aware of your surroundings, are an excellent way to foster a generation of safe and skillful riders.
Ms. Claire, the program director, said “We love seeing our students practice their riding and safety skills in the larger parking lot space. We think it’s important for them to begin learning the ‘rules of the road’ early.”
Top 5 Causes of Bicycle Accidents Involving Children
As a parent myself, I believe it’s important to understand the risks that children face when riding bikes and to take steps to help keep them safe. Every year, thousands of children are injured in bicycle accidents, which led me to post Bicycle Accidents Involving Children: What Parents Need to Know. These are the actions you want to take to help children avoid risks while cycling:
- Wear safety gear – Ensure the child’s helmet properly fits their head, and have them wear bright or reflective clothing to make them more visible to drivers.
- Properly maintain the bike – Check brakes, tires, and the chain to ensure everything is in good working order.
- Avoid riding in traffic – Stick to bike paths or quiet residential streets. If the child must ride on the road, they should always obey traffic laws and make sure they are visible to drivers by using hand signals.
- Remove distractions – Help children understand the dangers of using a phone or listening to music while riding.
- Supervise your kids – Children should always be supervised while riding, especially when they are inexperienced riders, and teach them about the importance of staying safe on the road.
By being aware of common causes of bicycle accidents involving children, and taking steps to prevent them, parents can help keep their children safe when they are out riding bikes.
About Bike To Wherever Days
All month long Bay Area residents have channeled their collective power to advocate for safe, connected streets, and demonstrated that cycling is a major mode of transportation and source of joy for our region. The month-long celebration encourages the community to pedal to do errands, visit friends and family, commute to work, and ride recreationally. Check out BikeEastBay.org for more information.
Share Your Story
Did you host or participate in an event to celebrate Bike To Wherever Days 2025? I’d love to hear about your experience. Please share in the comments section!
Need Legal Help After a Bike Accident? Contact Paceline Law.
By riding in a paceline, cyclists reduce wind drag by up to 50%. Hiring a lawyer should work the same way—reducing friction and making the legal process smoother.
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, I’m here to advocate for you and take on the headwinds of your legal challenges. Let’s move forward together.
kyle@pacelinelaw.com
(510) 735-6804
