Seven Safety Tips for Biking to School:Want to get to school on your bike this year? It’s a fun way to get some exercise and ride your bike every day!

1. Firstly you should ensure you ALWAYS wear a helmet! Protecting your head is all important for obvious reasons and a brightly coloured helmet helps people see you. The helmet needs to be in good condition with no cracks or chips and have a standards approved sticker (Get Mum or Dad to check it). The helmet should be straight on your head and strapped on firmly, without being too tight. You should also wear bright clothing and closed-in shoes (no jandals!).

2. Ensure your bike is in a safe condition to ride. If you haven’t used your bike in a while it may be a good idea to get Mum or Dad to take it into a bike shop to get it all ready to go!

3. For the first couple of weeks get Mum or Dad or an older Brother or Sister to ride with you. The minimum recommended age to cycle alone is 10 years, but your Mum or Dad will know when you’re ready.

4. You will need to learn balance when turning and signalling. Get Mum or Dad to teach you this in a quiet street so you can build up your confidence.

5. Keep an eye out for potential hazards and make good choices when you ride. Concentrate, be aware of traffic at all times and ride defensively.

6. If you are on the road then make sure you know the road rules and obey them, including understanding signs and traffic lights. You can learn these whilst out riding with Mum or Dad!

7. Keep to the left of the road and at least one metre from the kerb or parked vehicles. You should also ride smoothly and predictably in a straight line, not weaving in and out of parked vehicles.