Cycling Safety for Families: Helmet Use and Road Safety Tips

*Collaborative Post

Cycling is a fun activity that gets your family exercising outdoors, but you should take some precautions. One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of head injuries in cycling accidents is to wear a helmet.

In this article, we’ll focus on the critical role the proper helmets for each family member can play in keeping them safe and some other essential road safety tips.

Why Wearing a Helmet is Crucial for Cycling Safety

Wearing helmets when cycling can significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries and life-threatening brain damage in the event of a crash. Studies have revealed that they can lower the risk of serious injury by 60% and traumatic brain injuries by 53%.

The foam inside helmets reduces the force transmitted to the skull and brain in crashes, preventing severe injuries and potentially saving lives. Many brain injury claims result from cyclists being hit by vehicles in urban areas. A victim’s compensation can be lowered if they weren’t wearing a helmet due to contributory negligence.

How to Choose the Right Helmets for Your Family

When looking for the best bike helmets for your kids, prioritise fit and safety standards. Start by measuring the size of your kid’s head. Use a flexible tape measure around an inch above their eyebrows, and ensure it’s not too tight.

Using this measurement when picking a helmet will help you choose one that fits snugly while allowing for some movement. There shouldn’t be excessive gaps between the foam and your kids’ heads’. Avoid buying “grow-in” helmets, as they’ll be ineffective at protecting your kids in an accident.

You’ll also want to look for helmets that meet the British BS EN 1078 safety standard. Consider helmets with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology. It provides added protection against rotational forces on the skull in crashes.

Cycling in Traffic: Road Safety Tips for Families

If you’re trying to teach your kids how to cycle and want them to feel confident on their bikes, start with entirely off-road paths. Rural roads with cars travelling at high speeds through bends and urban streets with high traffic volumes can be risky, so it’s best to avoid them initially.

Once your kids are over 10, try slowly introducing them to the roads. Ride behind your children so you can see them at all times, and if you’re with your partner, they can ride in front of them and look out for any potential problems ahead.

Teaching Kids Safe Cycling Habits and Rules

When cycling with your kids, teach them to use hand signals to indicate turns, ring their bell to warn other road users of their presence, and make eye contact with them. This is especially important at junctions and when crossing roads.

Riding in positions where your kids can see the road and be seen is essential. Start on quieter roads to get them used to cycling on the right and looking out for hazards by paying attention to traffic, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Tell them to avoid pavement cycling (unless marked as a cycle track) to avoid crashing into pedestrians.

Other Essential Cycling Safety Gear for Families

Bright, reflective clothes, like visibility jackets, will help drivers see your kids. Reflective stickers on moving parts of the bicycle, like pedals, will help them stand out more in low-light conditions.

Lights are another vital kit to keep your family safe on the road. Opt for light between 200 and 500 lumens to stay visible on the road and ensure they’re waterproof. This will keep your kids safe at the end of the school day in the darker winter months.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.