Independent Riding in Traffic, 10-11yrs+
goRide, your Family Riding Specialists – supporting you to confidently teach your child to ride independently on the road.
Get the right solutions & support for your 10-11 YEAR OLD… to ride through traffic.
Welcome to goRide’s Independent Riding in Traffic page. This is where we help you to get your child, 10-11yrs+, ready to ride on the road on their own. We are here to support you to be prepared so that you can feel safe and confident about letting your child do this type of riding.
Let’s work through what you need to consider, help you understand your options and determine what are the best solutions for your family.
For information and guidance about riding with kids in traffic either attached to your bike, being towed or accompanying them please click on – Biking in Traffic with Kids
Feel safe and confident to let your child ride independently
Safety is your number one priority when you let your child ride by themselves. You need to understand how they can be safe and what to teach them to make them feel safe. How should their riding change compared to when you ride with them?
- When are they ready?Â
If you want your 10 or 11 year old child to ride by themselves on the road you need to be confident of their ability and skills to manage this environment. What is the right age and what should they be able to do on a bike to be trusted?
- their is no specific age, just a recommendation of when they might have the decision making skills. Around 10-11yrs is the suggestion but this may be different for your child
- on road riding requires a lot of processing and concentration Â
Children have varying abilities so it is up to you as their parent to make the call as to when they are ready. Please read our story, it has lots of helpful tips.Â
2. Do they have the right protection?
A bike helmet that fits is the best possible protection you can give them. To work in an impact a helmet needs to be low, level, stable and snug on a head. Make sure you and your child understand this. The helmet needs to be fitted properly every time they ride.
We recommend choosing a bright, visible colour/design to add to their visibility. Their are helmets that come with a rear vent light which is a great way to ensure they are seen.
Solutions to Support Independent Riding
There are a few ways to support your child to be successful when they start to ride in traffic without you. Making it an easy to manage experience is key to getting them to continue and enjoy their independence. If they are prepared with lightweight, easy to use, helpful bike gear solutions they will be able to manage a range of problems. See our story on safety and preparation for further advice and tips.
Visibility for Youth
View the Range…
Specific products chosen for young teens or kids to use when riding on the road. Keep them safe in traffic or low light. Visibility outer layers, lights, reflectors, LED bands… LEARN MORE
Bike Lock
Bike Secured
Know that they can use and secure their valuable bike. Get a lock that matches to the risk in their environment… LEARN MORE
Gear Lock
Helmet Secured
Lightweight, easy to carry security ties with steel core. These reusable locks are great for helmets… LEARN MORE
Self-Seal Tubes
Puncture Prevention
Prevent flat tyres with tubes designed to seal small punctures & tears. A great choice to ensure they get where they are going on time… LEARN MORE
Youth Gloves
Protection or Warmth
See our full range of bike gloves. Get the gloves that are right for the riding they do… LEARN MORE
Prepare Them for Independent Riding
Being able to ride on the road by themselves is not something that can happen overnight. It will take preparation and consideration of all the aspects of safety. Every child will be coming from a different background and bike riding experience. Ideally they will be used to riding and enjoy using their bike in a variety of ways.
Decision making skills and concentration are important traits for them to have. Predictable riding, with good balance will keep them safe, and establishing a routine will be required for successful independent road riding. Their self-management and ability to be confident independently of you are very important. For more detailed info please read our story…
Get a copy from your local council or look on line at NZTA.
Road Code Made Easy – goRide Resource
A great resource with a focus on simplicity for young teens. What do they really need to know & understand? Learn about traffic in a fun, engaging way with easy to understand language… COMING SOON
Join goRides’ Family Riding Service
Get the best resources and support for teaching your child to ride independently through traffic
- Teaching youth about traffic – guide
- Checklist for teens. Bike, helmet, gear
- Routine & process guide, including route planning advice
Assist your child in the best way possible with our free service. Receive exclusive resources aimed at this transition to riding independently… COMING SOON
What are their riding options?
Expanding your child’s ability to ride their bike in different environments is important. The more confident they are on their bike the better they will manage in traffic. Consider
- the places you want them to ride now or in the future
- how you want to ride as a family
Kids/Youth Mountain Biking
Multi Day Family Riding
Bike Paths & Day Trips
Riding with Young Kids Through Traffic
goRide is here to support you through this experience. If you are struggling with the information, need some things clarified or some reassurance then please get in contact. We love hearing from you and want to help.
A selection of family riding stories, support & solutions that will make you & your family SMILE.
Full Range of Buying Guides
Get the advice you need to have the right gear. See our full range of buying guides.
Bike Helmets for Youth - What are my options?
Get an overview of the options that are available so you can have a helmet that works for the riding your teenager does.
Be Visible Guide
See all our visibility solutions for youth on one page. From lights to jackets and reflectors. What solutions will work for your child?
Bike Lock
All our advice & support about bike locks on one easy to navigate page.
Kids Visibility Jacket
A bright, fleece lined jacket that will increase their visibility in traffic, in poor weather or in poor light. Get them gear to keep them safe.
Fun Up the Kids Bike
Help your kids to love their bike and their riding. Fun & interesting gear that will appeal.Â
Ride More Places
Read stories about riding trails, tracks and mountain bike parks in beautiful NZ. Be inspired and learn whether this may be an option for you or your family.
Want more from your riding?Â
Be supported to Ride as a Family, Progress Your Riding and/or receive Seasonal Inspiration. So you can SMILE when you ride.
All new members are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.
SMILE when you ride
Support & Inspire other riders and familiesÂ
Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes.Â
All entries are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.