[NOTE: Information here comes from a range of official/unofficial sources. Use at your discretion.]
- "Drive your bike": Teach your kids be good citizens of the road by obeying stop signs and looking for cross-traffic when coming out of an intersection. Practice "defensive biking."
- Help your young bicyclist be visible. The Bike Connection in Palo Alto (2011 El Camino Real, 650-853-3000) carries bike flags with a single pole (more durable than flags with two-piece poles). You can also get cool bike flags online from SoundWinds/AirArts. IKEA carries inexpensive bike vests. When picking out a helmet, choose a bright one.
- Making left turns can be intimidating for bicyclists—of all ages. Remember that it’s always an option to dismount and use pedestrian crosswalks.
- Note that biking on sidewalks is legally allowed throughout Menlo Park, except for the downtown area. Of course, go slowly and yield to pedestrians.
- Read Bicycle Safety: What Every Parent Should Know to find out what skills and knowledge your young rider needs.
- Have a look at the city of Palo Alto's bicycle safety and education resources.