Citation

Hatfield J. J. Australas. Coll. Road Saf. 2012; 23(2): 20-22.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Australasian College of Road Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Children should be encouraged to cycle for its health and psychological benefits and because of the value of forming healthy habits early in life. Children who cycle are more likely to become adults who cycle, and cycling has clear health benefits, even when injury risks are accounted for. Cycling also has social benefits and, when it replaces motorised transport, environmental benefits. Naturally, if children are encouraged to cycle there is an imperative to address cycling safety, both as a duty of care and by way of encouraging cycling. It can be assumed that people are most likely to allow and encourage their children to cycle if they perceive it to be safe - given that perceived cycling safety is one of the strongest predictors of whether they cycle themselves. Although it is likely that cycling safety is best addressed by providing safe and amenable cycling infrastructure, public education programs may also have a role to play. Programs that aim to teach children safe cycling skills exist in many countries, including Australia (e.g. Bike Ed) and the United Kingdom (e.g. National Cycling Proficiency Scheme). It is important to evaluate such programs to determine how they might be best developed or how resources for improving child cycling safety could be best allocated. A review of literature regarding education to improve cycling safety, particularly for children, was undertaken.

Keywords

Accident prevention; Australia; Education; Road user; Safe systems (road users); Traffic safety; Traffic safety education; Injury prevention; Crash countermeasure; Road user education; Bicycles; Bicycle