Cycling safety

Over 7,000 children under fifteen are injured while cycling on roads each year. Most of these injuries are caused when other drivers or the riders are turning right, overtaking parked vehicles, turning left, starting off or stopping.

There were also over 2,000 children were injured while cycling at home or in their gardens. A further 20,000 were injured in non-traffic cycling accidents outside the home while riding their bikes in places such as parks, playgrounds or by canals.

Safety tips

- Think safety as well as fun. When buying a bicycle, buy the safety equipment to go with it
- Choose a bicycle that is the right size- the saddle and handlebars should be adjusted so that riders can touch the ground on both sides with their feet
- Keep the bicycle well maintained - check brakes and tyres regularly for wear and check that the steering is not too loose
- A helmet will protect against head injuries - fasten it tightly so it will not come off in an accident
- Wear bright, reflective items such as belts, sashes and armbands
- Wear suitable durable and sturdy shoes - avoid high heels or long laces
- Avoid wearing wide bottomed trousers or jackets with dangling cords or luggage with trailing straps that could get caught in the bicycle wheel or chain

Children under ten should not be riding on the road without adult supervision. They may not be able to judge the speed of traffic and may find it difficult to control the bike under all traffic conditions. Before any child rides on the road unaccompanied they must be fully aware of the Highway Code and preferably have undertaken some form of cycling training.