What Parents Need to Know
As the weather warms up, it’s time for kids and adults alike to jump on bikes and enjoy cycling. Knowing the bicycling rules of the road can prevent serious injuries. In Ontario, there are specific rules for children who bicycle.
Helmets for Kids Under 16
Bicyclists, like motorists, must comply with Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, which mandates that all children age 16 and under wear helmets. The HTA specifically states:
“No parent or guardian of a person under sixteen years of age shall authorize or knowingly permit that person to ride on or operate a bicycle, other than a power-assisted bicycle, on a highway unless the person is wearing a bicycle helmet as required by subsection (2.1).”
To ensure maximum safety protection, the helmet should fit properly and should be worn directly against the scalp without any barrier between the child’s head and the helmet. Parents should also look for helmets made specifically for bicycling, as helmets designed for other sports, such as baseball and hockey, don’t offer the same function, fit, or impact standards.
Bicycle Safety Tips for Moms and Dads
There are a lot of things parents can do to keep their children safe on their bicycles this summer.
- Supervise children when they ride their bicycles (the Ministry of Transportation encourages parental supervision for children under 10 who ride in traffic)
- Perform equipment checks to ensure sufficient braking mechanisms, adequate tire pressure, and proper gear shifting
- Provide proper light reflecting clothing and gear for kids who ride at dusk or in the evening
- Instruct children in proper bicycling techniques, such as stopping, signaling turns, obeying road signs, and following traffic rules
London Personal Injury Law Firm
At Lomax Law Firm, we help people struggling with all types of injuries. We’re also deeply committed to promoting safety through education and information. No one wants to see his or her child hurt. By taking a few extra steps to ensure your child has the right gear and information to stay safe on a bike, you can rest easy knowing you’ve done your part to protect your loved ones. If you or someone you care about does experience an injury, we at Lomax Law Firm will do our part to help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Call us for a free consultation today at (519) 488-9378.
This website has been prepared by Lomax Law Firm for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.