We want our kids to ride their bikes. We also want them to be safe.
What else can we do to help keep them safe? We can help them be heard and be seen with a bike bell and bike lights.
What a Bike Bell gives your child?
Kids on bikes and balance bikes are small. Help them be visible by being heard. They can let others know they are coming. A bell is an essential piece of equipment in any environment that is busy with other users.
Bike bells and lights for kids can be lots of fun. So you can let your little ones passion for colour and graphics shine. Give them another reason to love their bike.
Types of Bells
Two in One. We are introducing you to the Mini Hornit Bell & Light, what can we say, nailed it. Why? It’s fun, noisy, colourful, easy to use, multi functional, how can this not make you smile… It can be attached to a bike or scooter and some balance bikes using the flexible rubber wings. It has 25 fun sound effects, from a traditional bell ring, to animal and vehicle noises. It has a remote trigger that can attach next to the handlebar grips so there is no need to remove their hands to activate their favourite Mini Hornit noise. The hornit is also a light (12 lumens) to help them be seen.
This may sound like a lot of noise, the Hornit does have 3 volume settings to help you control the noise your little one is making. What is approproiate for the environment you are in?
Mini Hornit – 25 sounds & a front light
Traditional style. Most bike bells are traditional styled bells that use a thumb or finger push/pull to create the ‘ringing’ sound we are so familiar with. Better quality bells will give you a higher quality ring and last longer. Be careful to keep your bike stored out of the rain as often the clamping system of bells is not made of steel. These types of bells come in a huge range of colours and graphics…. from beautifully hand painted to amazing prints. You are sure to find something that will appeal to your child.
Traditional ringing hand painted bike bell
Traditional ringing bicycle bell
Minimalist style. Older kids that do a bit of mountain biking, as well as using their bike to get to school, sports trainings and/or the bike path – The Knog Oi might be the right option for them. A bell that is not at all shaped like a traditional bell as it is slender and sleek wrapping itself around the handlebars but offering a good quality traditional ‘ring’.
Minimalist bell available in two sizes, Black or Silver.
Correct use of a Bicycle Bell
Teach the children how to ride and pass pedestrians and other cyclists safely. What you teach them will be dependent on their age.
For balance bike riders and early bike riders – Let them sound their bell as often as they like, it is much better for everyone to hear them coming a mile away than be surprised by them. This applies to footpath situations as well. Children are allowed to ride on footpaths with balance bikes or a wheel circumference up to 14 inches, this is a first or toddler bike. The trouble with this scenario is that these toddlers are little and can’t be seen or heard by cars coming out of driveways. So my advice is let them make noise. If a lot of noise doesn’t sound like a pleasant bike ride at least teach them to use their bells when passing driveways they can’t see into (I’m talking about blocked views from high fences or plants). Learn more about visibility for children on balance bikes here and we have a fun crossword to do with kids about safety on shared pathways here.
You know your kids best, if a bell is going to be a distraction maybe it is not the right solution for your kid. Our experience is that when that bright and fun bell goes on their bike for the first time it will be a bit of novelty but it doesn’t last too long. For that first time take them into a safe riding environment like a school or playground and let them ring/sound their hearts out.
For older kids teach the following sequence; ride on the left, pass on the right. A gentle warning with a ring of the bell as they approach walkers. Wait for a response – turning of the head, moving over to the side – this applies to both walkers and other cyclists. At this point if there is no response another ring follow by “Passing on your right” in a clear voice would be appropriate. Teach them to give people space especially if they are elderly, have small children or dogs with them.
Remember they learn from your lead, so if you use your bike bell well then they will soon learn to do the same.
What a Bike Light gives your child?
Kids on bikes and balance bikes are small. Help them be visible by being seen. A light is a great addition if they ride regularly and are likely to be out in busy environments or poor light conditions.
Lights for kids/youth should be easy to use and you should be able to find suitable lights that won’t break your budget.
Light & Visibility Options
See the Bell section above for info on the Mini Hornit Bell & Light. If you are after a more traditional front & rear light set that makes them visibility from multiple directions, you will need a set like the basic bright spot LED lights by Oxford.
These lights are rechargeable overnight which is great for daily use and will provide a strong beam through steady or flashing modes. Easy to attach with flexible rubber straps. Simple and everything a child or young teen needs.
Bright spot front & rear light
Reflectors/Bands/Stickers. Also consider how you can make their clothing, bike or bike gear more visible. Adding reflectors or bright reflective colours is a simple solution. This type of increased visibility comes with car lights picking up the surface and reflecting it back. So in any low light conditions where cars have chosen to use lights, your child will be safer.
Reflective dots can be attached to clothing or bags
LED flashing snap band for leg or arm
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