Cycling safety for children
The following information is being circulated on behalf of RoSPA
A major children’s hospital has treated more children involved in cycling injuries during lockdown than over the whole of 2019.
Cycling is great fun and good for your health. With so many children and adults alike discovering the pleasure of riding here are a few tips on how you can maximise the enjoyment and minimise the risk:
Carry out a regular safety check (tyres at the correct pressure, brakes working and nothing loose like spokes, saddle or handlebars) RoSPA has a video and checklist to help you.
Wearing a cycle helmet will help provide protection to the head in the event of a collision or falling off (remember to replace if damaged) and follow the manufacturer’s fitting instructions.
Make sure that your child isn’t wearing any loose clothing or shoe laces which could become tangled in the chain or wheels.
Go out on a ride with your child, assess their competence and ability. Get them to demonstrate that they can safely control their bike and deal with traffic.
For older children if they are riding away from home plan the route with them; use cycle tracks and avoid busy roads and junctions if possible.
Mark Lilley, paediatric major trauma co-ordinator at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, has been speaking about the injuries he has seen and how to prevent them. You can view his video on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RoSPAScotland/status/1272846615464861697