Biking safely to school
Biking to school is a fun way for kids to get daily exercise and the beginning of the school year is the perfect time for a bike-safety check.
Timaru cycle shops
have a fantastic selection of bikes suitable for children wanting to bike to school. They also have the expertise to help you select the correct bike for your child’s needs.
Before your child starts biking to school, they should have a good knowledge of traffic safety, the skills to ride on the street, a correctly adjusted helmet (it should fit snug and sit squarely on the head) and a proper fitting bike in good working order.
The beginning of the school year is the perfect time for a bike-safety check.
All the local cycle shops will be happy to look over your child’s bike and fit an approved helmet but don’t leave it till the last minute as they do get busy with bike checks.
To safeguard their bike, children should also carry a good lock and know how to use it (always lock by
the frame and wheels to an immovable object).
Work out an alternative plan to get home should it rain and riding in the rain is not an option or should something unexpected necessitate a change of plans. Safety helmets About three-quarters of all cycling deaths are caused by head injuries. Wearing an approved safety helmet dramatically reduces the risk of a skull fracture if your head hits an object or the road,
which is why the law makes it mandatory that helmets be worn.
In an accident, a helmet also reduces the chance of concussion and protects the head from cuts and scrapes. Find A Safe Route Plan a safe route to and from school from home.
This might not be the same way you would drive to school.
Look for lightly trafficked side roads, bike paths and other quiet streets.
Even if your custom route adds time to the trip to school, the kids and you will enjoy a quieter, safer trip.
Bike or walk the route with your child a few times before school starts and talk through any potential hazards you see. Intersections are hazards on even the safest routes.
Scout these out in person to determine the safest approach.
Often, it’s best to walk on the pedestrian crossing using the button to change the light.
For right turns, rather than risking crossing the through lane, they can use the crosswalk to reach the other side of the road and proceed straight through when the light changes. What about flat tires? These do happen sometimes but you can reduce the chances by ensuring that they’re riding on reliable tires with good tread.
Carrying a spare tube, tire levers and pump is a good idea if they know how to repair the flat.
You can reduce the chances of flats even more with
puncture-resistant tubes and sealants.
If your child rides a bike to school be aware of the following rules and recommendations from the NZ Transport Agency
Under 10s should always bike with an adult
Your child must wear an approved cycle helmet correctly
Make sure bikes have working brakes
Bikes should have reflectors and lights if cycling at night or in poor visibility conditions
Wearing a high visibility vest or jacket is a good idea.
A great way to start teaching kids to ride safely is in a car pointing out what’s required while driving so they realise the important rules and recognise how crucial it is to remain alert and pay attention at all times. You can then bicycle with them working on the skills required around traffic and at intersections. Practicing on grass is a safe way to learn quick stops and control over bumpy terrain and obstacles.
You can set up cones to improve manoeuvrability.
And, you can have them work on signalling their turns and looking over their shoulder while riding a straight line so they’re comfortable with this when riding on the road.
Safety Skills And Guidelines For Biking To School
Go over the guidelines below with your child to make sure they understand how to ride safely
around cars, have the skills to control their bikes in all conditions and realize that safe cycling
comes from careful cycling. Always wear a helmet that fits properly and is correctly positioned.
Always ride with traffic (never against).
Get lights and use them when it’s dark.
Ride in a smooth, straight and predictable manner.
Be in control of the bicycle at all times.
Be able to stop quickly and remain in control.
Understand and always obey traffic signs and signals.
Wear bright colours; light ones at night.
Bike with friends (there’s safety in numbers).
Ride defensively avoiding dangerous roads and drivers, and always leaving yourself an ‘‘escape route.’’ (Source: pedalpushers.co.nz)