Road Safety

Children as cyclists

It takes time and practice to learn to ride a bike safely, especially when trying to cope with roads and traffic.

Children under the age of 9 should not be allowed to cycle alone on roads. As soon as your child is old enough, make sure they are trained on a safe cycling course. We visit schools and provide cycle training, 'Bikestyle' The Awareness Course for Young Cyclists.

Choosing a bicycle for your child

It is vital that the bicycle is the right size for your child, if it is too big or too small then it is dangerous. To check that your child's bicycle is the correct size, make sure that your child can touch the ground with both feet.

Bicycle maintenance|

Daily:

If riding in the dark or in poor light, check that both front and rear lights are working correctly and reflectors are clean and easily visible
Check that tyres are pumped up hard. Worn or damaged tyres should be replaced
Make sure the brakes are working correctly and are easy to use

Monthly:

Clean and, if necessary, oil the brake assemblies, brake cables, gear cable, and pedals
Make sure brake cables are not fraying
Make sure that wheels don't have any lose or damaged spokes
Ensure that the chain is not worn, loose or rusty

Bicycle Lighting|

Bicycle lighting is a legal requirement when it's dark or when visibility is seriously reduced. To ride in these conditions, your child's bike must have a working front light, a red rear light and red rear reflectors. By law, new bicycles must be fitted with wheel and pedal reflectors, but it is advisable to fit older bikes with these reflectors as well.

Make your child seen

If your child is cycling when it is dark, it is important they wear reflective clothing. Reflective clothing can be seen in headlights at up to 3 times the distance of ordinary clothing.

Cycle Helmets|

Cycle helmets offer protection and help reduce head injury if your child falls off their bike. The cycle helmet that is worn must be met by the cycle helmet standards to be sure it will work effectively. The standard will always be printed inside the helmet.

Contact

Road Safety Team

3rd Floor

Maritime House

1 Linton Road

Barking

IG11 8HG

Supported by Barking and Dagenham Direct:

Tel: 020 8215 3005

Fax: 020 8227 5184

Textphone: 020 8227 5755

Email: 3000direct@lbbd.gov.uk|