This paper provides a review of some of the literature pertaining to a child's capacity to effectively cope with traffic with a view to providing information as to when a child is capable of handling a bicycle competently and at what age they are capable of riding this bicycle in traffic. Learning to ride a bicycle depends upon reaching a development stage where it is possible to balance and coordinate body movements. Skill in handling a bicycle develops over time, so that with practice turning and avoidance of objects is executed with ease. Knowledge is also required regarding traffic rules and maintenance of the bicycle. Children do vary in their abilities to cope with different situations and a child's readiness to ride a bicycle should be decided upon individual merits. However, ability to deal with the perceptual and cognitive elements associated with bicycle riding will not vary greatly in children of the same age. Recommendations regarding child cyclists are provided and have been broken down into three age groups - under 5 years, 5-12 years and over 12 years. (A)
Abstract