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Keep talking and set a good example to your child

The best way to help your child learn about road safety is to always set a good example yourself. You can do this whether you are cycling, driving or walking. You should:

• obey traffic signs, be considerate of other road users and not let yourself be distracted by using a mobile phone or listening to music
• encourage your child to notice and discuss what they see about them on the road - like other people making a risky choice
• make sure they know that when they’re on the road they need to concentrate and watch out for other road users all the time
• encourage them to have the confidence to take their own decisions - they shouldn’t blindly follow what others are doing without making their own checks first
• practice judging speed and distance with them
• help them work out safe routes for the journeys they make

The bike

Make sure your child's bike is the right size and well maintained:

• Getting your bike ready to ride (travel and transport section)

Clothing

There are items of clothing and equipment your child can use to help them keep safe:

• get your child to wear fluorescent or light coloured clothing if they are riding during the day or in poor light
• after dark, children should wear reflective clothing, as fluorescent or light coloured clothing will not be visible
• your child should wear a correctly fitted helmet, properly fastened, to protect against head injuries should they fall

Teenagers are the age group most likely to not wear helmets. On average half of the road injuries received by cyclists are to the face and the head.

Out and about

Once your child is ready to start cycling it is helpful to:

• see if a cycling course is available at their school or through your local council road safety officer
• encourage them to use special cycle routes, paths and lanes if they are available
• advise them to not use mobile phones or personal stereos when cycling - distractions cause accidents
• point out cycle tracks and encourage your child to use them