How Keep Young Cyclists Safe
Despite an increase in cycle paths and official off-road cycle routes in the UK, bicycle accidents are still a regular occurrence in the UK. In fact, it has been reported that 37 cyclists are injured each day on Britain’s roads.
It is important to teach your child road safety from an early age, as soon as they get on their balance bike or training bike. This is a great time to teach them the basics of road safety, road markings and traffic rules before they learn to ride a pedal bike.
Below are 5 tips that you should follow to keep your child safe when on a bike:
1. Make sure your child wears a helmet
A well-fitting helmet is essential for your childs safety. To measure your child’s head, use a measuring tape and measure around the widest point of the head which is about an inch above the eyebrows. Bike helmets can be worn when cycling, skating, ice skating etc so they’re a good investment.
2. Secure the bike
Make sure that the bike is assembled properly. With bikes increasingly being ordered online and delivered in parts, it is essential to check that the bike is safe. Are the wheel axle bolts tight? Do the brakes work? Are the tyres pumped up with no splits or tears?
Making these checks regularly will get your children into good habits for the future.
3. Road Safety
Whilst it may seem to come naturally to you after years of being on the road, you must assume that children know nothing about road markings, road signs and the highway code so start from the very beginning. Children should never ride a balance bike on the road but learning this information will put them in good stead for the future.
4. Supervise
Always supervise your child when on a balance bike or training bike. This will not only allow you to spend time with your child, but you will be able to make sure they do not have any unavoidable accidents. Make sure your child avoids taking the bike near swimming pools/lakes/rivers, stairways, slippery floors or gravel.
5. Plan Ahead
Make sure that you know where you and your child are going on the bike, and you’re aware of potential hazards in the area. Warn your children of these hazards.
This article was provided by Kiddimoto, manufacturer and supplier of high quality wooden ride on toys and bike helmets for kids.
Visit Kiddimoto online for more safety tips.
