Child safety - bikes

Bike riding can be fun for the whole family but it needs to be enjoyed safely. Bicycle safety involves developing riding skills, wearing the right protective gear and looking after your bike. Parents should teach their children about cycling safety and caring for their bike.

Cycling safely

To help your child become a safe cyclist, let them have lots of practice on safe paths while offering tips on bike handling. Basically, they should be able to ride in a straight line, brake properly and corner safely.

Ride in designated areas such as bike paths when possible. By law, children can ride on the footpath up to the age of 12. Find out if your child’s school offers Bike Ed, which teaches children about road safety and cycling skills.

Helmets are compulsory

It is compulsory to wear helmets when riding a bike in Victoria. This law applies on roads, bike paths, bike lanes, shared and segregated footways, and other public places such as recreational parks and car parks. Make sure that your child always wears a helmet when riding.