Wind streaming. Speed and power. Freedom.

Biking for kids can be the ultimate independence. But how to get kids outside and for caregivers and kids to feel safe? Local expert and owner and director of operations of the 2024 Philly Bike Expo Bina Bilenky shares her insider advice on biking for kids, from how to get kids started riding their first bike to helping them take their first solo trip and more.

Bilenky, a Lewisburg native, loves biking for its fitness aspect as well as the ability to explore remote places.

“Bikes in general are great for your health, for the planet and I love that they can be enjoyed as a one-mile pedal on a hybrid to a farmers market or on a 500-mile ultra-endurance bikepacking route. I find that once folks get introduced to bikes that there is a way for just about anyone to enjoy the benefits and fun of cycling,” says Bilenky.

Many bikers might be nervous to share the roads with cars but Bilenky shares that there are miles of quiet country roads around her hometown of Lewisburg and throughout central Pennsylvania.

“We also have quite a bit of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in town with many more projects in the works. Several towns recently were awarded Safe Streets for All Funding which will further the infrastructure that is needed to safely bike from point A to point B.”

She is quick to point out that wearing helmets and safety lights are essential in her family for riding safely. She also stresses careful route planning and being aware of cars as well as signaling.

“It is important for both cyclists and motor vehicles to know that in PA, cars are required to give you four feet of distance when passing bicycle and travel at a careful and prudent speed. When there is no shoulder or not enough room to pass, cyclists can and should take the full lane to avoid getting run off the road or worse,” she says.

For families just starting to explore biking for kids, she prefers balance bikes over training wheels.

“Balance bikes provide a child who is too young to pedal with the necessary handling skills for riding. With the balance bike they learn how to balance, position and use their body weight, steer,” she says.

Transitioning to a pedaling a bike is much easier then.

“Once they transition to a pedal bike all they need to learn to do is pedal which is much easier than being put on a pedal bike at 4 or 5 and having to also learn how to handle the bike,” she says.

Kids can start as early as 18 months, following a child’s interest. For kids first learning to bike she recommends starting on some local rail trails.

“I love rail trails for young children and folks new to cycling, both for the predictable terrain and lack of cars,” she says.

“With older kids who have a bit more skill and strength, there (are) some great forestry roads in Bald Eagle State Forest that aren’t too hilly if you stick to some ‘out and back’ routes. Also, the mountain bike trails behind Geisinger are great (once you get up the initial gravel hill)”

And for caregivers interested in letting their kids take their first solo bike trip? Bilenky recommends looking for a few readiness signs.

“Every child is different but what we looked for was calm, focused and steady riding,” she says.

Bilenky often looks for kids who can consistently stop at lights, stop signs and other hazards and can wait until hazards have safely passed. Assessing traffic and making eye contact is also an important skill, she says.

“For me, it is the cars (or) traffic that is the obstacle to children riding alone sooner. Most children know their limits when it comes to actual riding, (like with) tricks, speed, cornering, etc. And they develop this from getting on a balance bike early. … They will just start out by standing over it and letting it fall. But they progress quickly and each step is essential to developing lifelong handling skills for cycling,” she says.

To learn more about biking and celebrating the fascinating sport, Bilenky recommends visiting the Philly Bike Expo on March 16-17 at the PA Convention Center.

Now in its 13th year, it offers inspiration, information and entertainment to cycling aficionados and novices alike with exhibits by artisans and manufacturers from around the country and the world, demos, workshops, seminars and kids activities that include a spacious indoor test-ride area.

Bethany Marcello is a certified nature teacher at Fern Hill School in Milton.