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Print | YORK REGION>Services>Public Health and Safety>Injury Prevention |
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Bicycle & Helmet Safety
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· Cycling is the most popular outdoor activity among young Canadians; unfortunately, every year 50,000 children are seriously injured in bike related mishaps · Wearing a certified helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injuries by 85% · Children and youth (under 18) are required by law to wear a helmet with the chin strap clip fastened under the chin when cycling · Head injuries are the #1 cause of serious injury and death to kids on wheels — a helmet could save your child's life · Kids imitate their parents, 98% of children will wear their helmets if their parents do. Wear one every time you ride · Before age 10, most children do not have the skills to cycle safely on the road; they need help to make good choices · Children under 9 years should cycle with responsible adults at all times Components of a Safe Bike
The following bicycle equipment is required by law: 1. Helmet: Cyclists under 18 are required by law to wear a helmet when cycling. The helmet has to be on your head and the chin strap clip must be fastened under the chin. Does your helmet fit properly? Check our helmet fit brochure and see. 2. Light and reflector: If you ride 30 minutes before sunset and/or 30 minutes before sunrise, you need a white light (not just a reflector), and a red rear reflector or red rear light. 3. 4. Reflective tape: White reflective tape on the front forks, red reflector tape on the front and rear stay. The following is recommended equipment: · Basket to keep your hands free for steering · Water bottle and cage · Shoes that cover your toes and back of your foot (e.g., running shoes) · Reflective and bright clothing when riding in the dark · Eyewear to keep sun, bugs and wind from blinding you Check Your Bike Regularly Begin each cycling season and each ride with a complete bike inspection. If your bike is not in perfect shape take it to a bike shop for a check up. Check for: 1. Size of bike: Make sure your bike is the proper size. A bike that is too big or too small will be hard to control. You should be able to comfortably straddle the bike frame while standing flat footed on the ground. There should be at least a 2-3 inch gap between you and the top bar. 2. Tire Pressure: Make sure your tires are properly inflated. 3. Chain: Check the bike's chain to make sure it's clean and lubricated. 4. Brakes: Check your brakes for even pressure. They should make your back wheels skid on dry pavement, but you don't want brakes that stick. Bike-related Traffic Laws and Fines Your bicycle is considered a vehicle and falls under the jurisdiction of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). The following are just some of the offences you could be fined for under the HTA: · Improper bicycle lighting: $ 20 · Improper or no helmet: $55 · Permit person under 16 – no helmet: $55 · No bell/ no horn: $85 · Cyclist – ride in or along crosswalk: $85 · Ride two on a bicycle: $85 · Permit attachment to vehicle: $85 · Disobey stop sign – fail to stop: $85 ( 3 points) · Fail to signal for turn: $85 (2 points) More Bicycle Safety Resources Information for Parents: Child Carriers and trailers for bikes Ministry of Transportation
Safe Kids For more information, please contact
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