SUMMER holidays are a great time to be active, and cycling is a popular choice for many. If you’re gifting a bike to children this Christmas, please ensure it is “ride worthy”, which means it is assembled correctly, all nuts are tight, safety features such as bells, brakes, and lights are functional, and the rider knows how to use the bike. Don’t forget a helmet that complies with Australian safety standards.
Bill Winters, executive officer of RoadSafe Goulburn Valley, said, “Bike riding is a wonderful way of keeping fit and active, plus what could be more pleasing than riding alongside your child? If your child is a new rider, please ensure they are comfortable, have good balance, and know how to ride in a safe manner.”
Please be patient and keep your distance from bike riders, at least one metre on roads with speed limits up to 60km/h, and at least 1.5m if you’re travelling over 60km/h. Drivers may briefly cross a single or double centre line to overtake a bicycle rider, but only if the way ahead is clear and it is safe to do so.
The purpose of these codes of conduct is to encourage bike riders to ride safely, to increase their compliance with road rules and to show more respect for other road users.
To help keep our kids safe, it’s important for drivers to:
• Watch out for pedestrians and be aware that young children can be unpredictable and difficult to see
• Give cyclists plenty of space
• Slow down in school speed zones during school times
• Be extra cautious around schools.
Kids can stay safe by:
• Resources to learn about road safety include ‘Kids on the Move’ and ‘Bike Ed’ (www.roadsafetyeducation.vic.gov.au/#kids)
• Practising crossing the road with parents.
