Bike & Wheel Safety

Introduction
Common Injuries and Safe Practices
Bicycle Inspection and Maintenance

Introduction

Cycling and other wheeled activities are great forms of transportation and recreation. Cycling allows children and youth to be healthy and active as well as have fun. Appropriate steps must be taken however, to ensure that children and youth are safe when participating in these activities. Children, youth, parents, caregivers and communities need to be well-educated regarding the importance of safe cycling practices and the devastating injuries that can occur when practices such as helmet use are not followed.

Bicycle related injuries are a major threat to the health of children and youth.

• In 2004 there were more than 2100 bicycle-related injuries in Saskatchewan.
• In 2008 there were 250 reported collisions between a bicycle and motor vehicle in Saskatchewan. Almost half of these collisions occurred with cyclists under the age of 20.

The majority of bicycle-related injuries are preventable.

Common Injuries and Safe Practices

Bicycles

• For cyclists of all ages, falls are the number one cause of injury. Children who are learning new motor skills can be expected to fall more often than older and experienced cyclists. This is true when learning any new wheeled activity. Ensuring proper safety equipment is used will help protect children and youth. Appropriate safety equipment for cycling includes:
  • Helmet – an approved bicycle helmet
  • A properly fitted bicycle – should be able to stand flatfooted over the bike with at least one inch of clearance above the top tube
  • Other equipment includes a bell or horn, reflectors and rear and front lights for night riding
• When entering the street from driveways, parking lots and sidewalks, a cyclist may not stop and watch for traffic. This behaviour is a frequent cause of car-bike collisions involving children. Always yield to oncoming traffic, and look both ways before entering a street.
• Riding a bicycle and facing traffic is among the most hazardous cycling practices. Riding a bike on the wrong side of a street greatly increases the chance of a collision with a motor vehicle. A bicycle is a vehicle. Motorists need to respect a cyclist’s right to share the road. Always ride on the right side of the road.
• Young or inexperienced cyclists may turn or swerve without warning into the paths of cars travelling in the same or opposite direction. When young children are learning to ride a bike they should stay off of busy streets.
• Sidewalk riding is a common cause of cyclist injury. When a cyclist rides on the sidewalk, every driveway becomes an intersection. Motorists do not expect to encounter vehicle traffic coming from the sidewalks. Sidewalk cyclists can also be obscured by bushes, hedges or fences. If a child is going to be riding on a sidewalk, ensure constant parental supervision and yield at every street and driveway.

For safety information on child carriers and trailers for bicycles, please visit the link below.

Safe Kids Canada
http://www.safekidscanada.ca/Parents/Safety-Information/Wheeled-Activities/Bike-Carriers/Bike-Carriers-and-Trailers.aspx

Roller Blades

• Environmental hazards such as gravel, debris, poor road conditions and other obstacles can be challenging for young children who are developing their balance and strength. Young children should stay off of street ways when rollerblading.
• It is typical for riders to fall forwards with outstretched arms when learning to rollerblade. The wrist and hand are therefore very common fracture sites for children. Appropriate safety equipment to protect children from injury includes:
  • Helmet – an approved bike helmet is appropriate
  • Wrist Pads
  • Elbow Pads
  • Knee Pads

Scooters

• Young children are at an increased risk of injury if they ride scooters on roadways where hazards such as vehicles, cyclists and other obstacles exist. Children should ride scooters on the sidewalk of non-busy streets when possible.
• Uneven ground and obstacles are a risk for anyone riding a scooter, and especially for young children who are still developing their motor skills. Find paths that are free of broken pavement, rocks, and debris when learning to ride a scooter.
• Appropriate safety equipment and gear includes:
  • Helmet – an approved bike helmet is appropriate
  • Elbow Pads
  • Knee Pads

*Wrist guards are not recommended because they may interfere with steering the scooter.

Skateboards

• Learning to maneuver and control a skateboard takes balance and full-body coordination. Children who are growing and developing will experience changes in spatial awareness, motor coordination and balance.
• Fast speed and tricks increase the risk of injury to a child. A child who has previously developed the skills to control a skateboard may be at an increased risk of injury when experiencing a growth spurt. Changes in motor ability, coordination and spatial awareness can greatly affect a child’s ability to perform tricks.
• For the above reasons, ensure protective gear is worn at all times by riders of all skill levels. A large number of injuries associated with skateboards are due to a lack of protective gear. Appropriate safety equipment and gear includes:
  • Helmet – an approved skateboard helmet
  • Wrist Pads
  • Elbow Pads
  • Knee Pads

For additional information on bike and wheel safety and injury prevention, please refer to the following resources: Wheel Safety, Bicycle Safety, In-Line Skating and Skateboarding, Safe Cycling with Sam.

Bicycle Inspection and Maintenance

Refer to the images provided below to locate different parts of the bike when performing a bicycle inspection.

Maintenance Tips

Weekly

• Oil your chain; clean your bike.
• Check your tire pressure and look for glass or other sharp objects embedded in your tires.
• Check for and tighten loose parts.

Monthly

• Check cables for rust or fraying.
• Oil brake levers at the pivot point.
• Check the brake shoes for wear.
• Check the tires for wear.
• Check the chain for stretch.
• Check bearings for play.

Yearly

• Annual overhaul of moving parts.