16.12.10 Many parents will be considering buying their children bikes for Christmas and Gloucestershire’s Road Safety Partnership is asking them to consider more than the style, size and colour. They are asking that parents take into account the following points:
- Choose your child’s bike with care and don’t let fashion compromise function
- get advice from a good local bike shop who can make sure the bike is safely assembled and offer after sales service
- Buy them a cycle helmet that fits, they like and they will wear and encourage them to look after it
- Train them in basic cycle control, steering, braking and looking all around, before they go near the road.
If you are a confident cyclist, you should:
- Teach your child good road sense by setting a good example
- Cycle along with your child in front of you, that way you can see them, talk to them and protect them from following traffic.
If you are not a confident cyclist, you should:
- Ensure that your child takes part in an organised Cyclist Training Scheme
- Don’t let your child out on their own until you are certain they can cope
- Make sure they are always easily seen and wear bright, high visibility clothing
- Enjoy cycling with your child – it will make all the difference.
Don Muir, Cycling Coordinator for the Road Safety Partnership said: “A lock, lights, a bell and helmet are great extra gifts for a child as part of their Christmas present. They will want to go out on their new bike but the weather may not be good, so make sure they have a waterproof jacket and gloves - it’s hard to concentrate on cycling if you are cold or wet! And remember reflective and fluorescent high viz gear for the rider and the bike.
“Make sure that as part of their gift you give your time to teach your child how to use their bike. The best encouragement you can give them is to get out as a family and ride with them.”
Once you child has mastered the basics look out for Bikeability cycle training in your child’s school. As well as training in Gloucestershire Primary Schools, we offer advanced training at Secondary schools – contact Don Muir 01452 425532 e-mail don.muir@gloucestershire.gov.uk for more information.”
Motorists are also reminded to look out for cyclists on the county’s roads. They should give cyclists space – expect sudden movements, especially in windy weather and on bad road surfaces. When parking, always look for cyclists before opening the car door and give right-turning cyclists space and time to manoeuvre.
Cyclists themselves also have a responsibility to keep themselves safe while out on the roads. They should follow the Highway Code; be visible – wearing bright and high visibility clothing; planning their journey and using cycle routes whenever possible; maintaining bikes and checking the brakes before every journey; wearing a cycle helmet; being clear to other roadusers about their intentions by looking behind before every start-off, changing road position, and signalling clearly before turning. If in doubt, don’t do it – it can be safer to get off and walk.
