Top tips for mountain bike safety
We’ve teamed up with our partner, Frog Bikes, to bring you our top mountain bike safety tips!
December 2, 2025
If you’re looking for an exhilarating way to explore the great outdoors, look no further than mountain biking! From conquering off road trails to making great memories, mountain biking can be a thrilling activity for all ages.
Not so fast though – before you set off, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with mountain bike safety, especially for younger riders or anyone who’s new to the sport. We’ve teamed up with our partner, Frog Bikes, to bring you our top safety tips and celebrate the launch of their new children’s mountain bike range. Happy adventuring everyone!
Get the right gear
The right clothing and safety equipment is essential before hitting the road! First things first, a properly fitting helmet is an absolute must to protect against any falls or collisions. Look for moisture wicking clothing (such as gym wear) to keep you cool and comfortable, plus warm or waterproof layers depending on the weather.
If you’re tackling tougher trails or heading out for a longer ride, add cycling gloves for better grip and to protect hands against blisters. Knee and elbow pads also offer valuable cushioning against scrapes or falls.
Choose a suitable trail
Most mountain bike trails use a colour coded system to indicate the difficulty level, ranging from green (easy), to black (very difficult). When it comes to choosing a trail, it’s good to challenge yourself but don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with!
We recommend green trails for children or anyone new to mountain biking. They’re designed with beginner cyclists in mind and typically feature wide paths with gentle, shallow climbs and descents. You can find out more about the MTB trail grading system on the British Cycling website.
Before you ride
You might be raring to go but not so fast! There are a few vital checks to make before you hit the trails. Always inspect your tyres before you ride – look for any wear or damage and make sure they’re properly inflated. Next, check the brakes – both the front and back brakes should engage smoothly with no signs of wear and tear.
“I always wear my helmet – safety first! Plus a bike check before I start – in the magic shape of an M to check the bike all over. Wear appropriate clothing – the brighter the better”
Katie,
It’s also good practice to inspect your bike chain and test the gears to ensure they’re working smoothly. You can find a more detailed guide on how to maintain your cycle here. Finally, don’t forget a backpack with the essentials, including plenty of water, snacks, a first aid kit, and any spare parts you might need in case of emergency.
“Before any ride – I make sure I have a nice sweet treat in my bag,” says Katie. “Haribos are a firm favourite! I then ensure I’ve got a spare inner tube just in case a pesky rock gets me. A spare jacket is always in my bag too as you just never know in Scotland!☔️.”
How to ride safely
Hurrah, you’ve made it out! Now it’s time to learn how to ride safely, especially if you’re new to mountain biking. Encourage children to practice safe braking techniques and watch out for sudden or excessive braking, which can cause the wheels to skid. It’s also essential that riders feel confident shifting gears to help manage the different terrains. Use lower gears for steeper climbs and higher gears for flat paths or going downhill. As mentioned above, check all your gears before you ride to ensure you can change smoothly with minimal resistance.
Body positioning is also important – try to keep a relaxed grip on the handlebars, with bent elbows and knees to help absorb shocks on uneven terrain. Centre your weight back slightly when going downhill to help balance, otherwise, maintain a centred position with your weight distributed evenly between the front and back wheels. You can find more information on bike control and body positioning on the Frog website here.
Be aware of your surroundings
Proper trail etiquette is important to help keep everyone safe. Ensure all riders know about right of way before setting off and how to give space to other riders or trail walkers.
Going off the beaten track might sound exciting, but it’s also vital to stick to designated trails and paths. This helps to look after the environment and prevent any accidents or people getting lost!
“I enjoy mountain biking because it feels like a real adventure. I love zooming down the hills, riding over bumps, and exploring the trails surrounded by trees and fresh air. It makes me feel brave, strong, and excited, especially when I learn new skills. But what I love the most is getting to ride and have fun with my friends.”
Katie, Frog Bikes Young Ambassador
If you’re ready to experience the thrill of mountain biking, check out the new Frog MTB 62 & MTB 69 high performance kids mountain bikes! Available in Glacier Blue and Sandstorm Gold, Frog’s versatile mountain bikes are designed for confident off-road riding with lightweight frames and child-specific components for better control and comfort. Perfect for junior riders ready to explore beyond the pavement!
Need a bit more training before before you hit the road? Discover the full range of Bikeability courses here.
