Environment Department Road Safety 01992 556800 www.hertsdirect.org 0 Cycling to school
CYCLING TO SCHOOL Cycling is a cheap and efficient means of transport. It is environmentally friendly and an enjoyable way to exercise. With due care and consideration children can be allowed to cycle to school, either on their own or in the company of friends or parents. Regular cycling will improve their health and give them some measure of independence and self reliance. We recommend that children under 9 years of age are accompanied by an adult when cycling on the road. Parents should ensure that children using cycle paths away from traffic are capable of cycling skilfully and with due consideration to others, especially if they are not with a responsible adult. Children who are too young to ride their own cycle could use a trailer bike or child seat attached to an adult cycle. This leaflet provides information that will be useful for parents, children and schools when considering the possibility of cycling to school. SCHOOL With the growing interest in securing safer routes to school more schools, both primary and secondary, are not only allowing pupils to cycle to and from school but actively encouraging them to do so. Parents and pupils should decide together if cycling is a suitable means of transport. Governors and the school cannot be considered liable if a pupil has an accident while cycling to school. Schools are now expected to produce a school travel plan which lays out existing problems, usually congestion and parking, and suggests a strategy that can be used to improve the situation. Often this means encouraging more parents to allow children to walk, cycle or use public transport in an effort to reduce the number of cars going to the school. If traffic volume can be reduced the area around the school should become safer for pupils. There are however some obstacles to be overcome before trying to raise the number of children cycling. Storage A secure area needs to be provided where cycles can be left safely. Many different style cycle sheds, stands and racks are now available. It is better if they can be positioned where they can be easily overlooked by staff, or observed on close circuit television cameras. It is also worth considering storage space such as lockers where pupils can leave helmets and accessories.
CYCLE PERMIT Code of conduct Decide on a code of conduct for cyclists and perhaps initiate a permit system. In this way staff, parents and pupils can be made aware of the rules and that the privilege of cycling may be withdrawn if these rules are not obeyed. The following are some of the points that need to be considered and a decision made whether they are to be enforced or just recommended. Cycles Cycles must be the correct size and kept in good working order with special attention to tyres, brakes, reflectors and lights. Lights must be fitted. (This is essential during winter months when it can be dark both morning and evening.) Spot checks may be carried out. Parking Cycles entering the school premises must be left in an approved area and locked to a fixed stand. Helmets and removable accessories should be left in the lockers provided. Cycles are left on school grounds at the pupils own risk. The school is not liable for theft or damage. Parents should check that cycles are insured against theft or covered by home contents insurance. School grounds Define what entrances may be used and whether cycles may be ridden or have to be walked. Riding at other times is forbidden as is going to the cycle racks. Clothing It is recommended / insisted that pupils wear a cycle helmet when riding. They should also wear high visibility accessories such as tabard, sash, coat with reflective patches. This is often seen as conflicting with school uniform but compromise should be possible where children s safety is concerned. The main problem is actually getting them to wear something fluorescent or reflective for winter. Training Provide cycle training courses and encourage / insist upon attendance.
NOTES FOR PARENTS AND PUPILS Cycling can be a healthy means of independent travel. Obey the rules. Remember that school rules and the highway code are there to ensure your child s safety. Encourage your child to be responsible and follow them at all times. Cycles Ensure the cycle is the correct size when sitting on the saddle the balls of both feet should reach the ground. Keep it in good order and check the following parts regularly: Tyres need to have plenty of tread and be well pumped up. Both brakes should work. Push the cycle and try each in turn. They should stop the relevant wheel. Ensure the chain is oiled and correctly tensioned. Check the gears can be changed easily. Make sure reflectors are fitted front, back, on spokes and pedals and are kept clean. Lights are a legal requirement when riding at night or in poor weather conditions. They must comply with the relevant British standard BS 6102/3. Before riding check lights are bright and change batteries once they start to dim. Carry spare batteries during the winter. Flashing lights may only be used on their own if they flash between 1 and 4 times a minute and have a brilliance of at least 4 candlepower. If you have dynamo lighting, check it is working correctly. Remember it will dim as you slow down and go out when you stop. Consider additional battery lights. It is a good idea to fit a bell. Carry a pump and a spare inner tube and tool kit. Only do those repairs that are within your capability. If in doubt consult a cycle shop and have a qualified mechanic do it. Keep details of your cycle make, model, colour and serial number for insurance purposes and check that it is covered by household contents insurance or take out a special policy. Always lock it securely to a fixed stand use a D lock or chain and padlock. It is a good idea to remove lights, pumps, etc and store them safely with your helmet. Use your locker if one is provided.
Luggage Consider what you will have to carry when riding and do so safely. A rucksack on your back can be used but do not overload as it could cause you to overbalance as well as damaging your back. It is better to have a pair of panniers fixed to a rack over the back or front wheel. Provided they are packed evenly a number of books and other kit can be carried. Helmet Consider wearing a cycle helmet even if your school does not insist upon it. It will not prevent your having an accident but could protect your head if for any reason you come off your cycle. There are many different models available at reasonable prices. However ensure it fits snugly and wear it correctly flat on your head (not pushed back or at an angle) with straps going round the ears and done up under the chin. It should not move when you shake your head. Follow the instructions on the box and take care of it. Replace it if it is dropped, damaged or involved in an accident. Check that it complies with one of the following safety standards: BS EN 1078,AS 2063, ANSI Z 90.4, SNELL B90 or B95 Clothing It is vital that other road users realise you are there. Please make sure they can see you particularly when it is dark. Reflective material will keep you visible at night. If you feel uncomfortable wearing a fluorescent / reflective waistcoat, look around for other options. Clothes and trainers are often available with reflective patches, and there are stickers or tape which can be applied to your cycle and bags. A reflective sash or sam browne belt is very effective. Beware of long laces which can get tangled round the pedals and any other long, loose or baggy clothing. This could get caught in the bike, or cover lights and reflectors. Training If possible attend a cyclist training course. Many primary schools organise them for year 6 pupils, and some secondary schools offer courses. Others courses are run at various locations throughout the county during the summer holidays. Children must be at least 10 years of age by 31st August that year to participate.
After sessions to improve your cycle skills, you will be taught basic manoeuvres at a local road junction. This on road training is also available to children who have only completed a skills course on the playground. It is hoped that more advanced courses will soon be available. Preparation Discuss the route to be taken. Is it the best? Another way might be longer but could avoid complex junctions and busy roads. Are there off road cycle paths or roads with a cycle lane that can be used? Ride the route with your parents or another experienced cyclist. Are there areas of concern? It may be sensible to dismount and walk with the cycle to avoid dangerous right hand turns or busy junctions. Time your journey so that you can allow enough time to ride comfortably, taking into consideration possible delays due to congestion and other factors. Plan to arrive in good time so that you can have your cycle locked away well before the start of school. Riding When riding always obey the highway code. Remember that it is against the law to cycle on pavements or footpaths that do not have a sign showing that cyclists may use them. Be visible. Ensure that other road users can see you. Consider your road position and do not hide yourself by riding too close to the kerb. Remember that your road position can often indicate what you intend to do so keep it consistent with your manoeuvre. Think ahead. Be aware of all other traffic and anticipate what might happen next. Make sure it is safe before attempting any manoeuvre and signal clearly in good time. Remember that signals can be useful to pedestrians as well as drivers. Stay alert and make eye contact with drivers, especially at junctions. Consider your speed is it appropriate for the situation? In some circumstances on the road it is safer to speed up to avoid a danger. Do not expect to ride at speed along shared cycle paths. Be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. Use your bell to warn pedestrians of your presence but remember that not everyone may hear it. Ride positively and decisively.
If you have any queries on cycle training or cycling to school please contact Cycle Training Team Road Safety Unit Environment Department Hertfordshire County Council County Hall Pegs Lane HERTFORD SG13 8DN Telephone 01992 556800 Fax 01992 556820 Email cycle.training@hertscc.gov.uk Website www.hertsdirect.org