Originally Posted by
noglider
When they're 9 or so, they can ride in the street with you, preferable with you in back so you can watch them and offer corrections. You can also "cover" for them.
This is how I ride -- behind and slightly further into the street, to provide a more visible obstacle to cars, and to give them a wider berth in case they wobble around a bit.
I think that letting kids be out in front, is also a better way to ease them into the responsibility of riding alone.