Gearing up for Road Safety Week

15 November 2021

This Road Safety Week, we want to reiterate the importance of road safety for children who cycle and how to teach them important road safety lessons.

We all have a responsibility to use roads safely to protect ourselves and others. We want to ensure that all children are aware of the dangers of roads and how to stay safe when cycling.

BE A ROAD SAFETY HERO


Parents and carers
Parents and carers can help keep young children safe by:

  • Holding hands with them when walking near roads
  • Cycling with children on safe paths away from traffic
  • Making sure children wear a cycle helmet to protect their head if they fall off


Parents and carers can also set a good example by driving at safe speeds, never using a phone while driving, and always wearing a seat belt. All parents and carers can help children and young people use roads safely and choose active ways to travel or public transport where possible.


Where is it safe for a child to ride a bike?
It is always the best option to select a location for a bike ride with your child, away from traffic. Great locations include the park, in the garden, and on safe paths away from the road. Children should always be with a grown-up when riding a bike.

How does wearing a helmet protect kids when riding a bike?
Bike helmets reduce the risk of brain injury or even death by up to 85 percent. It stops children from bumping their heads hard if they happen to fall off, and as a child is learning to ride, this is exactly the type of fall they are likely to have. Those who do not wear helmets are at a much higher risk of sustaining head injuries.

Take a look at this great video from Brake about how children can stay safe when cycling:


Check out this great poster to help explain the road safety heroes to children >>

Why not download this great road safety activity sheet to help children learn more about it >>

CYCLING ON THE ROAD

Brake recommends that children under 10 years old should only cycle on safe cycle paths, away from motorised traffic. If you do choose, or have no option other than to ride on the road with your child, Sustrans, the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle, has put together these tips for cycling safety for kids:

How to teach road safety to your children
Follow these basics to help you and your child stay safe when cycling:

  • Make sure your child's bike fits and that all your bikes are roadworthy
  • Ensure you all have lights and wear bright clothing such as high-visibility vests
  • If you're on the road with children, take up a position behind them. If there are two adults in your group, have one at the back and one in front of the children
  • Helmets are recommended for young children
  • Set a good example, follow the Highway Code and teach children road safety and awareness


Road safety rules for kids
  • Don't jump red lights or cycle on the pavement unless it's a designated cycle path
  • Signal clearly at all times
  • Ride in a position where you can see and be seen
  • Make eye contact with other road users, especially at junctions, then you know they've seen you
  • When riding at night always use a working white front light and red backlight, plus a red rear reflector - it's the law


  • Make sure to stay safe when cycling!

    @brakecharity #RoadSafetyWeek


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