Teach your children how to ride safely by riding bikes with them. Focus on safe riding practices, helmet safety and keeping the bike in good working condition.
Children under 10 years should only ride bikes on roads if they are with an adult.
Everyone must wear an approved cycle helmet.
Take your kids to parks, cycleways or shared paths and help them learn to control their bike and share the path with others.
Older children should know how to ride safely and be confident in traffic before attempting to ride to school, with or without you. Practise riding the route to school with your child first.
They should be at least 10 years old before riding to school alone.
Help them learn to:
Rules for bike riding:
Code for cycling(external link)
Check everyone’s helmet. If it’s not good, throw it out and get a new one.
Look for a standards-approved sticker.
The shell and polystyrene should be free from cracks or damage. Straps and buckles shouldn’t be frayed or broken.
A helmet is the right size if it fits with little or no wobble after you adjust the sizing dial.
The helmet is too loose if it tips sideways, backwards or forwards. Adjust the dial or use a different size helmet.
Bikes must have reflectors – a legal requirement.
You should use bike lights if riding a bike in low light or dark conditions.
Carry out a simple bike check regularly:
Check the quick release levers on each wheel are secure. Also, check the seat is around hip height.
BikeReady has a handy guide to teaching your child to ride.
The guide includes 3 videos:
