Many children, particularly those who live in large cities, have clear psycho-motor shortcomings compared with children in the year 1997. This is evident from the cycling training received by virtually all elementary school children in their third or fourth year of school. A current study carried out by the UDV (German Insurers Accident Research) shows that the capabilities and skills of children of elementary school age have continued to diminish.

This is particularly true of children who live in cities, girls from immigrant families and overweight and overprotected children. To break the vicious circle in which a lack of movement leads to more uncertainty, which leads to less cycling practice, which leads in turn to less movement, schools, parents and teachers need to identify and counteract poor motor skills. An ability to control a bicycle safely is essential if children are to be able to use the roads safely.

Many children today are less independently mobile than children in the past. They are more often driven to school by car or in rural areas by bus. Nevertheless, the bicycle is an important guarantee of independent mobility. Children who stay indoors often do not get enough practice, which makes occasional cycling all the more dangerous. That is why parents should take their children on extensive cycling trips in their free time, at weekends and in the vacations in order to develop their ability to control a bicycle safely in traffic on the roads.

What needs to be done?

• Children need a lot of physical activity. This can be encouraged at home, at school and in sports clubs.
• Elementary schools must make space and time available to identify children who are insufficiently mobile and to do something about it.
• Parents should not drive their children to school; they should walk.
• There should be enough time available during cycling training to give children individual attention and provide extra training.
• To ensure that the route to school by bicycle is safe, school route plans should be created and taken seriously from the fifth year of school.