always remember to...
- Wear a helmet. If you are attending an NSPCC bike ride you must wear one that is ANSI, SNELL or EN registered.
- Wear bright clothing.
- Ensure your pant legs are not loose.
- Choose shoes that grip the pedals.
-
Tyres - inflate to the pressure that's recommended on the sidewall of your
bike tyre. - Chain - regularly oil it and remove dirt.
- Handlebars - adjust them as you or your child grows and tighten all bolts.
- Brakes - check for frayed cables and worn out brake pads.
- Seat - keep the seat level and adjust the height as needed.
- Follow the Highway Code.
- Don't jump red lights.
- Ride single file.
- Do not encourage over-taking.
- Always be aware of what other vehicles are doing.
- Ride positively and decisively, help motorists notice you.
- Use your bell - especially if pedestrians can't see you.
- Remember to expect the unexpected.
- Keep your speed down.
- Give way to walkers, wheelchair users and horse riders and don't ride on footpaths or pavements.
before the ride
- Check the route and make sure it is safe for all taking part.
- Check your lights are working and your reflectors are attached securely.
- If organising a large group, contact the police or local authority about the route so they can ensure traffic and pedestrian safety, or offer you any advice.
- Ensure you and the group are fit enough to take part in the event.
- It is optional for you to obtain insurance advice for your bike ride. If you would like a quote form the NSPCC's insurance broker to arrange cover for this event please contact MCIS Ltd on 0121 233 2722.
during the ride
- Ensure all riders wear safety helmets.
- Pack a first aid kit, or contact St. Johns Ambulance on 08700 104 950 or at www.sja.org.uk or The British Red Cross on 0870 170 9222 or at www.redcross.org.uk for cover for larger groups or for advice.
- If cycling in the dark please wear high visibility clothing.
- Take a bottle of water and sun protection if cycling on a hot day.
- Agree a method of communication i.e. mobile phones, in case of emergency.
- Ensure a trusted rider who knows the route takes the lead and keeps at an agreed pace.
- Nominate a 'sweeper' at the rear of the group, to ensure that all participants are keeping up.
in case of an accident
- Make sure you plan for any injury or accident.
- Ensure you know where your local hospital is and how to get there.
The NSPCC believes that all children should be safe and protected from harm in all activities. If you have children joining your bike ride, please follow these guidelines.
what are your responsibilities?
As event organiser it is your role to ensure, to the best of your abilities, that children are kept safe at your event. This does not have to be a difficult task and you are not required to undertake any formal checks, but the ideas here should be foremost in your mind when organising and taking part in the BIG BIKE RIDE.
protecting children
- Ensure all children on the ride are there with a parent or carer's knowledge or consent. Parents should know what the event consists of, how long it will last and where children should be picked up and dropped off. It is advisable to have their contact details in case of an emergency.
- Children should be supervised by an adult at all times. Children under 16 should not be left to supervise younger children. The recommended adult to child ratio is 1:10 if the children are over eight or 1:5 if the children are under eight. You may revise this if you are involving children with specific needs or you are tackling a difficult route.
- Avoid children being left alone with one adult, unless this is their parent or carer.
- During the ride children should be kept in the main body of the group with an adult at the front and back of the ride.
- You should ensure that you have contingencies in case the ride does not go to plan, for example, the start time of the event is delayed.
- Cycle the route before the ride to check it is suitable for the children who are taking part.
- Keep any contact details for children secure. Do not hold on to information about children unnecessarily.
- Abide by the health and safety advice recommended by the NSPCC and ensure your event is as safe as possible.
