How riding a bike to school improves a child's life

The first day of school is approaching, and worries about your child begin again. If you are one of the parents who have ambitions, dreams, and ideas about how their child will develop but are concerned that your child has difficulty concentrating or complains of headaches, we at DragZone have a solution for you – a bike to school.

Here is why riding a bike to school can help you with the above concerns:

1. Healthy and active lifestyle

As we know, physical activity is one of the main factors that affect children's concentration. According to the American Department of Health, children should have more than 60 minutes of physical activity every day. If your child rides a bike to school and it takes half an hour one way, then your child will have fulfilled this "requirement" without even trying, and it will benefit them. Studies also show that children who bike to school arrive alert and ready to learn. Routine exercise helps children lead a more active lifestyle.

2. Builds habits

Cycling to school gives children a break from adults. It empowers them by showing that they can manage without the immediate presence of an adult. By riding a bike to school, children feel independent.

The lessons and attitudes children learn when cycling help them later in life. They learn not only independence but also how to navigate better. Additionally, cycling teaches them discipline.

3. Disconnecting from the virtual world

In this fast-paced daily life and with new technology – computers, laptops, phones, or tablets – cycling to school can be a good alternative to the virtual world. Nowadays, a large part of children's day is occupied by mobile devices. Even outside in the park, most children are on their phones or tablets. Riding a bike to school can at least briefly disconnect them from the internet space and games. And they might even enjoy riding a bike not only to school.

Besides these benefits, parents should keep in mind some basic steps and rules before allowing their child to ride a bike to school:

• Talk to other parents or the principal to find out if there are other children who go to school by bike. This way, you can be more at ease knowing your child will have a companion in this endeavor.
• Choose the safest route to school, even if it is a bit longer. Go through it with your child so they can get familiar with the route's specifics. In many cities in Bulgaria, bike lanes have already been built, and your child can safely travel on them. If there is no bike lane on the way to their school, look for side streets.
• Make sure they ride at a low speed, use lights, and a bell when necessary.
• Ensure your child knows the traffic rules, how to lock their bike, and how to ride safely.
• Prepare knee pads and a helmet for your child and make sure they wear them every morning. At DragZone, you can find suitable bike accessories for your child.
• Check that the bike is in good working condition.
• Make sure your child dresses appropriately in bright, noticeable colors to protect them in traffic.
• If your child has a mobile phone, make sure they carry it in case they get lost.

If you are still worried about sending your child to school by bike, consider illnesses in children, joint and bone problems, or childhood diabetes. Physical activity helps prevent these issues. If your child attends a school near your home or in the neighborhood, cycling can be a good choice. Still not convinced? Read about other benefits of cycling.