We are in the middle of summer and it is common to see parents transporting children in bicycle seats. An initiative in itself is very positive and educational. Riding a bike with their children is a very important moment for both of them, the children among other things learn to look at the world from a different perspective and speed compared to the car, they can interact more with the world around them.<\/p>\n
However, in this positive context, one should never relax too much and forget that transporting children by bike is a great responsibility for parents. In this context I would like to make a few remarks about child seats. The highway code is clear about transporting children in a bicycle seat, the seat must have very specific requirements.<\/p>\n
Let us review what they are:<\/p>\n
First of all, it is safer to transport children in a child seat, which corresponds to the safety standard EN 14344<\/strong>, entry in force since 2005<\/strong>. It is therefore necessary to check that the seat corresponds to this standard.<\/p>\n Despite the fact that this legislation has been in force for 10 years and really does cover the basic rules of safety, it is not uncommon to still see children being transported in old seats, which have neither backrests, nor belts, nor footrests, which endangers the health and sometimes even the lives of your children.<\/p>\n Nowadays, there are different ways of transporting children, to find out what they are, we invite you to read the following article<\/a>.<\/p>\n While remaining on the subject of child seats, such as the minimum requirements for transporting children in a child seat, the latter must at least have footrest<\/strong>, seat belts<\/strong> and the comfortable ergonomic backrest<\/strong> which would guarantee the child correct posture. The important thing is also the lseat width<\/strong>, as it could affect the instability of the bicycle. Securing the seat<\/strong> has an importance that should not be underestimated, so it is advisable to have it done by a professional.<\/p>\n The bicycle must be equipped with a good white front light <\/strong>or yellow and the red rear light<\/strong>.<\/p>\n When transporting children by bicycle, it would be a good habit, even if it is not compulsory, to put the helmet <\/strong>(EN1078 approved<\/strong>) to the child. According to data from the State Police, the helmet allows 85% of trauma to be avoided in the event of a road accident.<\/p>\n To transport children on the seat, the child must not only be able to sit independently<\/strong>, but to be able to do so for a fairly long duration<\/strong> (at least the same length as the bicycle ride) and cope with any jolts and bumps to which it is subjected during the bicycle ride. The minimum weight, which children are allowed to carry on the seat, is 9 kg (average 10-12 months). Children from 9 kg up to 15 kg (4 years)<\/strong> must be transported in front of the parent<\/strong>, However, it is best to avoid installing the seat on the handlebars, as it further affects the instability of the bicycle and impairs manoeuvrability. Children from 15 kg up to 22 kg<\/strong> must be transported nhe seat behind the bicycle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Under no circumstances may 2 children be transported in the bicycle seat on one bicycle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n For transporting two children on a bicycle, we recommend this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are a number of quite well-made child seats on the market that meet the requirements of both the Highway Code and the minimum safety standards. A good child seat costs more than 100 euros, but already with 30 euros you can buy one that would somehow be in compliance anyway.<\/p>\n Don't take risks, make sure your children are safe, whichever mode of travel you choose. Cycling yes, but only in safety!<\/p>\n