Cycling stuff for kids

It is important for kids to learn how to stay safe on their bikes as well as where the good spots are to have fun!

Tracks

Looking for somewhere to have fun with kids and bikes? Try these tracks:

Fulton Hogan Cycle Smart at Marlow Park, St Kilda (next to the Dinosaur Park)
Forrester Park MTB Tracks, Norwood Street
Jubilee Park MTB Tracks, Maori Road
Silverstream Track, Mosgiel
Portsmouth Drive cycling/walking shared pathway
Boat Harbour to Ravensbourne and Maia cycling/ walking shared path (starting at the end of Magnet Street)

Cycle safety tips for kids (and grown-ups too)

The New Zealand Police and the New Zealand Transport Agency recommend that you wait until you are 10 years old to ride on the road, unless you are with an adult. Be Safe - Be Smart - Be Seen

Be Safe

Helmets

The law says that you have to wear an approved safety helmet when you're on your bike.

Make sure it fits your head properly, that you wear it correctly and that it doesn't move from side to side or slip off the back of your head.
Wear it on your head, not your handlebars.
Check the helmet for damage, and the straps for wear. If in doubt, have it checked at a cycle shop.

Bicycle

The law says that your bike must have good brakes on the front and back wheels. It s a good idea to:

Fit a bicycle bell on the handlebars
Clean and oil your bike often
Have your bike checked by a cycle shop, or a grown-up, once a year.

Be Smart

Practice riding your bike, including hand signals, and keeping your balance and direction while looking behind you.

Hand Signals

Let other road-users know what you are going to do.
Give a good clear hand signal, at least three seconds before you stop or make a turn.
Always look for other vehicles before turning, especially from behind.

Stop and look

Before you ride onto the road, check for pedestrians, cyclists and cars.
Be visible - Ride where you can be seen.

Walk

If the road is busy, hop off your bike and walk along the footpath.
If you need to cross a busy intersection, walk your bike across a pedestrian crossing.

Be Seen

Wear bright colours - so you can be seen on the road.

Wear reflector strips around your ankles and waist.

Your bicycle must always have:

A red or yellow reflector at the back of your bike, facing backwards.
Yellow pedal reflectors

At night, or when visibility is poor, your bike must have:

A steady red or yellow light at the rear, or a flashing red light that can be seen at night from at least 100 metres
A steady white light at the front of your bike that can be seen at night from a distance of 100 metres