Bike and Scooter Safety
1. Wear a helmet: no matter how short the journey, or how much you care about helmet hair. They save lives!
2. Be seen: particularly on darker days/evenings. Wear a reflective jacket or strip and perhaps attach a light to your bike/scooter. If there is any doubt, get off and push the bike/scooter, it is better to take a bit longer than to have an accident.
3. Check your bike/scooter: regularly check to make sure it is in good working condition. Does the brake work properly? Do the wheels spin correctly? Do the handlebars turn smoothly?
4. Be heard: Attach a bell to your bike/scooter, roads and pavements are noisy, so it’s important that other people can hear you coming. Please remember, it is important to be considerate, having a bell is no excuse for biking/scooting at speed and using it to tell people to get out of the way.
5. Control your speed: The faster you go, the longer time you will need to come to a stop. Never go too fast on pavements or anywhere near roads, as you (or vehicles coming towards you) might not have the space to slow down!
6. Be aware of other people: Pavements, streets and roads are used by lots of other people who are walking, bicycling, skateboarding and driving, so always look around carefully to see where they are. Do not try to push past other pedestrians, or weave in and out of pedestrians.
7. Stop at the kerb and be aware of driveways: ALWAYS STOP at kerbs, and be AWARE that cars may be entering or exiting driveways. Stop your bike/scooter by bending your knees and pressing firmly on the brake. When crossing the road, dismount from your bike/scooter.
8. Never scoot on the road: Never, ever, ever scoot on the road, not even for a second. Always push your scooter when crossing. Only bike on the road if you are safe to do so and have carried out bikability training.
9. Travel with an adult: Even if it’s just a short distance, make sure you have a parent, school teacher or another adult who you know accompanying you so that you can learn the route.
10. Remember the Green Cross Code: Always STOP, LOOK and LISTEN before crossing any road, and if possible use a designated crossing point or subway.
