Is your little one nagging you for a bike?

 

We love seeing them having fun, and getting a bicycle is one of the best parts of childhood.

 

But, before they get their first wheels, here are some safety basics every child needs to know. 

 

1. Wearing a helmet

A helmet will greatly reduce the risk of serious head injury, should your child have an accident. 

 

Make sure it fits correctly and they always wear it, even for the shortest of trips.

 

 

2. Cycling with supervision

The RSA recommends that no child under 12 should cycle on a public road without supervision. 

 

Use your judgement when deciding where your child can cycle and for how far. 

 

If your kids want to go out on the road, it's a good excuse for you to get out with them for some exercise.

 

 

3. Appropriate clothing

Make sure your child doesn't wear any loose clothing while out on the bike.

 

They should also wear a luminous jacket in dusk or dark, to be seen by cars. 

 

 

 

 

4. Teach them bike maintenance and how to fix basic issues

Does your child know what to do if the chain falls off or they get a puncture?

 

Make sure they know how to spot a problem with their bike, and what to do. 

 

The lights and reflectors on a bike should be checked frequently also.

 

 

 

5. The right bike

Don't give your child a hand-me-down bike without checking it is right for their height and size. 

 

If the bike is too big or too small, your child will have problems controlling it.

 

When buying a new bike for a novice cyclist, pick a simple model. They can upgrade to a mountain bike later.

 

 

 

6. Remind them of the risks of using the road

Even if your child isn't old enough to cycle on the road, it's never too early to instil safety awareness. 

 

Demonstrate safe cycling practices while your child is young enough to pick them up.

 

 

7. Accident awareness

If your child has an accident, however small, advise them on what to do and where they should seek help. 

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