Facts

Here are some facts to do with bikes and Australia:

In the 10-14 age group, cycling is the 4^th leading cause of injury death in Queensland. 

Every year, on average 35 cyclists are killed with 2,500 seriously injured on Australian public roads.

Walk -NOT RIDE- your bike across an intersection. 

The Afternoon period, 12-6pm, is the most dangerous time for cyclist fatalities.

Helmets

Helmets are compulsory in Australia. You must make sure it is on properly for it to work as a safety barrier, if you don't wear it up properly and in a serious accident, it could decide the fate of whether you have small injuries or major injuries.

Make sure you helmets fits you, otherwise you will be uncomfortable and it won't protect you if you get injured. Helmets are designed that your ears stick out so you can hear ongoing traffic.

Culture/Countries

The country’s that have mandatory helmet laws are: Canada, Czech Republic, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, New Zealand, the United States and Australia. Amsterdam has the most amount of bicycles on the road but do not have a bike helmet law. Most cultures that have the bike helmet law have far less bicycles on the road than compared to the cultures that have no bike helmet law.

Safety tips when riding a bicycle

1. Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet- A bicycle helmet can save your life by protecting your brain!
2. Adjust bicycle- If you stand over your bicycle, there should be about 5cm between you and the top bar on a road bike. The handlebar height should be the same level as the seat.
3. Check the bike- Make sure that the tires are safe to ride on and the brakes work.
4. Ever heard of ‘Children shall be seen but not heard’? well when riding a bike children should be seen and heard! Having reflective lights and wearing bright colours, and having a bell can help make you been seen and heard.
5. Try to avoid riding at night- It is dangerous when riding at night as people in car are less likely to see you.

Definition

Bicycle issue is an important issue to be looked into with your child. Bike Safety is important to protect your child from serious injury while riding their bike.

Cycling is a great way to keep active and is a healthy way of travelling from A to B. Cycling has less pollution in the world than a car and is probably the most sustainable transportation made so far. Based on some figures though, some people believe, that riding a bike is more dangerous than being in a car.