Staying safe whilst riding your bike!

Kidvelo Bikes exceed industry safety tests!

Kidvelo conforms to and passes EN71.1, EN71.2 EN71.3, CE and UKCA testing standards. When pedals are added to the 14″ and 18″ models, the bike is further tested as a complete model to comply with ISO8098:2014. Not all brands, including some leading manufacturers, comply to these standards. A Kidvelo Balance Bike is one of the safest bikes available in the UK.

Riding your bike safely

Bike riding is a lot of fun, but accidents can happen. The safest way to use your bike is under adults’ supervision. Every year, many kids need to see their doctor or go to the A&E because of bike injuries.

Why Kids Should Wear a Bike Helmet

Wearing a suitable Kids Bike Helmet that fits well every time you’re on a bike helps protect your face, head, and brain if you fall.. A properly fitting helmet is essential and should be used for riding, not playing. If you need any help selecting a suitable helmet let us know. We only stock helmets approved and tested under UK safety standards.

Wear a bike helmet every time you ride, even if you’re going for a short ride. And follow these rules:

Make sure your bike helmet fits you well.
Always wear your helmet the right way so it will protect you: Make sure it covers your forehead and don’t let it tip back. Always fasten the straps.
Don’t wear a hat under your helmet.
Take care of your helmet and don’t throw it around. If it’s damaged, it won’t protect you as well when you need it.
Get a new helmet if you fall on your bike and hit your head.
Put reflective stickers on your helmet so drivers can see you better.

Riding a bike that is the right size is important for comfort but also for safety!

A bike that is too big or too small is uncomfortable to ride and will mean you won’t enjoy it. Our guide to selecting the right size will help you!

To check the size:

When sizing for a balance bike, feet need to be flat on the floor, allowing for a bend in the knee. It is the inseam that matters, not the overall height of the child.

Making a safety checklist is important. Ask your mum or dad for help:

Make sure your seat, handlebars, and wheels fit tightly.
Check and oil your chain regularly.
Check your brakes to be sure they work well and aren’t sticking.
Check your tyres to ensure they have enough air and the right tyre pressure.

What Should I Wear When I Ride My Bike?

Wearing bright clothes and putting reflectors on your bike also can help you stay safe. It helps other people on the road see you. And if they see you, they’re less likely to run into you. The Kidvelo jersey was designed to be bright and visible!

You’ll also want to ensure that nothing will get caught in your bike chains, such as loose pant legs, backpack straps, or shoelaces.
Wear the right shoes – trainers – when you bike. Sandals, flip-flops, shoes with heels, and cleats won’t help you grip the pedals. And never go riding barefoot!
Riding gloves helps you have better grip on the handlebars – and make you feel like a Pro!
Don’t wear headphones because the music can distract you from noises around you, such as a car blowing its horn so you can get out of the way.

Where Is it Safe to Ride My Bike?

You need to check with your mum and dad about:

Where you’re allowed to ride your bike
How far you’re allowed to go
Whether you should ride on the pavement or on the road. Kids younger than 10 years should ride on the pavement and avoid the roads unless accompanied by an adult
Common things that can get in the way like rocks, children or pets, big puddles
No matter where you ride, daytime riding is the safest. So try to avoid riding your bike at dusk and later.
And always keep an eye out for cars and trucks. Even if you’re just riding on the pavement, a car may pull out of its driveway into the path of your bike. Make sure that you keep an eye on your child and he/she knows how to stop.

What Road Rules Should I Know?

If you’re allowed to ride on the street, follow these road rules:

Always ride with your hands on the handlebars.
Always stop and check for traffic in both directions when leaving your driveway, an alley, or a curb.
Cross in a safe place. When you pull out between parked cars, drivers can’t see you coming.
Walk your bike across busy junctions using the pedestrian crossing and following traffic signals.
Ride on the left-hand side of the street, so you travel in the same direction as cars do. Never ride against traffic.
Use bike lanes wherever you can.
Don’t ride too close to parked cars. Doors can open suddenly.
Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic (red) lights just as cars do.
Ride single-file on the street with friends.
When passing other bikers or people on the street, always pass to their left side, and call out “On your left!” so they know you are coming.

For more riding tips this article by Better By Bike is useful