Before moving to their left, bicyclists must learn to look for traffic behind them. Have your child ride in a straight line in a quiet place like an empty parking lot. Have them look over their left shoulder and tell you how many fingers you are holding up when you shout their name. It is o.k. to take their left hand off the handlebars if they turn their body while looking back. Children must be able to scan to the rear while riding straight.
Sidewalks can be dangerous, too.
Some bicyclists feel more comfortable on sidewalks, but bicycling on sidewalks has its own hazards. Many crashes occur when bicyclists enter the street from the driver's right because drivers don't check for cyclists on sidewalks. Cyclists should slow down and be prepared to stop before entering the street even if they have the right of way. Your child should always be alert for cars entering or leaving driveways, especially when obstacles such as shrubs block the view. Bicyclists should slow down before passing pedestrians and alert them by shouting 'Excuse me' or 'Passing on your left'.