Most cycling and scooting injuries don’t involve another vehicle, but occur when children fall off their bike or scooter after crashing into a pole, curb or fence.

In fact, head injuries are the main cause of death and disability to cyclists. It is the law in WA to wear a bike helmet when riding a bike on the road, footpath or cycle path. Children riding bikes with training wheels or sitting in a baby seat behind an adult must also wear a bike helmet.

Fitting your child’s helmet:

• Choose an Australian Standard Approved helmet.
• Measure the child’s head before purchasing in order to select the correct size.
• It should fit two child finger widths above your child’s eyebrows.
• Adjust the straps. The side strap should form a ‘Y’ shape below your child’s ears and the buckle should fit snuggly under the chin.
• Do the push test once fastened. If the helmet can be pushed back and forwards then it won’t protect the front or the back of the head in a fall. The helmet is too big.

If you want to make helmet safety more fun – try singing this song use Pop Goes the Weasel as the tune!

Round and round the cycle path

I always wear my helmet

No matter where I ride my bike

I put on my helmet.

Little Things …

Read more information on bicycle safety.

 

 

Kath is a 40-year-old mum of three who works part time and enjoys reading, writing and catching up with other stressed out mums in her spare time. Usually she’s racing against the clock to make her boys (+ husband) arrive anywhere on time and feels quite the talented mother when two out of the three make it out of the house with shoes on!