Cycling needs to be encouraged – it’s green, healthy and fun and it helps children to become independent. However, in 2010, 168 cyclists aged 0-11 were killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads, so it’s vital that children learn how to stay safe on a bike.

Helping your child stay safe

• Cycling proficiency is available to our Primary 7 children and all are encouraged to take part.
• Check your child’s bike to see if it’s roadworthy: look at brakes, tyres and lights/reflectors (when riding at dusk or at night you must have white front lights and red back lights and reflector)
• Make sure the bike is the right size for your child
• When out driving, teach your child about roundabouts, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings
• Find out where local cycle paths and lanes are
• Make sure your child wears a helmet which fits and is worn correctly, it should not be pushed too far back on the head
• Ensure your child wears some high-visibility clothing when cycling
• When out and about with your child look at cyclists and talk about how easy they are to see

Remember that if you cycle yourself you should set a good example!

The basics of cycling safet

• Look behind before you turn, overtake or stop
• Use arm signals before you turn right or left
• Obey traffic lights and road signs
• Do not ride on the pavement unless there is a sign saying that you can
• On busy or narrow roads do not cycle next to another person
• When overtaking parked cars, watch out for car doors opening suddenly
• Do not listen to a personal stereo while cycling