Two-thirds of children who ride to school either have an unroadworthy bicycle or an unsafe helmet, report finds

NEARLY two-thirds of children who ride their bikes to school either have an unroadworthy bicycle or an unsafe helmet, a study has found.

9 year old twins Jagger and Hunter (blue jumper) riding on their local bike track. Picture: Sarah Matray

NEARLY two-thirds of children who ride their bikes to school either have an unroadworthy bicycle or an unsafe helmet, a study has found.

The study of 293 primary school children found 41 per cent of helmets assessed were unsafe, either through damage or incorrect wear, and 41 per cent of bikes were unsafe because of worn brake pads or under-inflated tyres. Despite this, those who rode to school every day had much better practical skills than others, the study in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health found.

Lead researcher Rebecca Bromell said parents “cannot assume simply providing a cycle helmet and ensuring it is worn means a child will have maximum protection in the event of an accident”.

The results come as another survey found bike helmets reduced the chance of serious injury on a bicycle by 70 per cent.

Of the 200 children aged 8 to 12 who answered a more detailed questionnaire, 91 per cent knew the hand signal for a left or right turn, but only 42 per cent knew the hand signal for stopping.

Melbourne father Tim Marty was concerned about the cycling safety of his sons Jagger and Hunter.

“My biggest concern is their helmets fit right and they have full visibility so the helmets don’t move and cover their eyes,” he said.

“I make sure the brakes and tyres are up to scratch and maintained.

“The tyres are pumped up and the bikes are clean with no dirt on the brakes.

“You can have all the safety gear but their road awareness is most important.”