Cycling - Activity

Student skills

Bike Ed is the approved Department of Education and Early Childhood Development bicycle education program and provides a sequential bicycle safety program for school students from Years 4 to 7.

Students should not be taken onto public roads until they have:

• demonstrated an adequate understanding of the likely traffic conditions
• demonstrated the ability to respond appropriately to potential hazards
• developed the physical and cognitive skills to manage the road traffic environment safely as a cyclist
• developed responsible behaviours, attitudes and decision-making skills for the safe use of bicycles.

Students up to the age of 12 years are permitted to ride on footpaths.  An adult can ride on the footpath, if accompanying a child or children up to the age of 12.  Before the age of 12 years, children should not ride a bicycle on the road without direct adult supervision.  Even when riding on footpaths and bike paths there are points at which roads need to be crossed.  Most children have not developed the necessary skills to be able to ride safely in or near traffic on their own until the age of 12 years.  To develop these skills, children need lots of help and practise under adult supervision.

For extended bicycle rides, students need to demonstrate appropriate fitness and technique.

Before riding, students need to be briefed on and demonstrate skills in:

• the effective use of brakes
• the effective use of gears
• safe group riding techniques.

The psychological preparation of students is as important as the physical preparation, especially for students who are anxious about the activity.  Under no circumstances should students be pressured by staff or peers to participate beyond their readiness.

Support vehicle and warnings for other road users

It is recommended that a support vehicle trail a short distance behind any cycling group, displaying a clearly visible notice indicating the presence of the cycling group ahead.  If there are two vehicles available, the second may travel ahead of the group, preferably with some warning device, e.g. signage or hazard lights.  The drivers of the vehicles must have a means of communicating with the cycling group.

Whether or not a support vehicle is used, where practicable, consideration should be given to placing signs on the roadside at the start and finish, and on significant roads entering the proposed route, to warn other road users that there will be cyclists on the road.  It may also be appropriate to advise local police of the route, time and date for the activity.

Equipment and clothing

First aid kits

First aid kits appropriate to the location and level of training must be carried.

Clothing

Clothing is the individual’s primary protection against ultraviolet radiation and severe and variable weather conditions.

Clothing lists need to be appropriate for the activity, environment and season.

Enclosed footwear must always be worn while riding.

Highly visible clothing is recommended.  Each cyclist should wear a conspicuous vest, a bright top, or have a bright flag attached to their bicycle.

Bicycle knicks with chamois are recommended for any long-distance riding.

Gloves are recommended, to absorb vibration and protect hands.

To protect against sunburn, use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen on all exposed parts of the body, applied according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Clothing should be selected to minimise sun exposure.  Students who own sunglasses should be encouraged to bring and wear them when required. For more information, see: Sun Exposure

Identification

Staff and students must be easily identifiable.

Staff must determine the suitable identification system based on an assessment of the environment, students’ skills, the type of activities to be undertaken, and the age and number of students.

Bicycles

Immediately before the activity, bicycles should be checked for roadworthiness to undertake the proposed bicycle ride.  As a minimum, a check should review:

• brakes
• tyre pressure
• tyre condition
• gear system operation
• steering mechanism
• pedals.

Bicycles should also be checked for suitability for individual riders.  As a minimum, a check should review:

• frame size
• reach — seat to handlebar distance (to ensure the rider can operate the brakes and gears effectively)
• seat height and position.

Carrying equipment

Loads carried by students should be kept to a minimum.  Small day-packs are recommended.

Where students are to carry a substantial quantity of gear, they must be experienced cyclists.  Gear should be carried directly on the bicycle itself in a pannier or rear-rack bag.

Helmets

Helmets complying with AS/NZS 2063 must be worn during all cycling activities.  They must be fitted and positioned correctly, with the chinstrap adjusted correctly and secured firmly.  Students must be briefed on the correct fit and adjustment of their helmet and how to check the condition of the inner and outer shell of their helmet.  Before and during the ride, staff should check that the students have their helmet correctly fitted.  Hats should not be worn under helmets.

Repair kits

Repair kits are to be carried by staff or be immediately available from support vehicles.  Staff should be able to carry out minor roadside repairs.

When repairs are being made during the ride, the remainder of the group must be supervised.  The group should either stay in a safe environment or undertake an activity under appropriate supervision while the repair is being performed.