Bike Safety

Kids bike riding
Children must always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride. The head is the most important part of the body because of the brain. A serious injury could cause irreparable damage not only to your physical head, but also runs the risk of damaging your cognitive or mental capacity.

When putting on a helmet, level it over your child's forehead and adjust the chin strap to fit snugly and comfortably. It should protect the forehead without slipping; and it should not move unless the scalp moves.

Helmets need to have been made following provincial and municipal standards, look for the CSA standard. The following standards are also acceptable: CPSC, ASTM, ANSI, Snell, BS and the AS although some regulations may be out of date.

They should ride on the right-hand side of the road, in the same direction as auto traffic unless they are too small to be on the road and use appropriate hand signals when turning or stopping. Remind your child to walk their bike through intersections.

Small children should ride on the sidewalk but should be taught that pedestrians have "the right of way", meaning they should stop their bikes and move over to allow pedestrians to pass when they encounter them.

The most serious biking incidents (Of which 90% of cycling deaths occur from) are those involving motor vehicles, in most collisions it is the cyclist's action which has the biggest influence on the outcome. Children are taught by Guelph Police School Safety Officers about bicycle safety during the school year but parents need to take the time to ensure their children have full understanding. Some common issues to address include:

• Following Stop signs

• Making warning signs when turning

• Exiting the driveway

• After dark safety

• It is not advisable for younger children to go out biking after dark

• For older kids, try to increase visibility by having them wear bright coloured clothing and reflectors

• Avoid following the leader blindly

• Knowing the rules of the road

• The best way to ensure that your child is ready to ride is to go out on your bike with them and observe.