Expert post: Cycle safety for kids

My kids love their bikes - since we've got them off stabilisers there's been no stopping them. Now that Livi, 6, can cope with a decent bike ride (as long as it's pretty much flat...) a family bike ride has become a favourite way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

It's very important that bike rides are made as safe as possible and that your children are aware as soon as they learn to ride that cycling can be dangerous. In 2008, more than  400 cyclists under 16 were seriously injured in accidents on the road and 12 were killed. Care is vital even away from the roads - over 2,000 children a year are taken to A&E after a cycling accident at home and a further 21,000 after accidents in parks and playgrounds, according to Child Accident Prevention Trust figures.

These are my tips (with thanks for the first two to Ready for Ten writer Ellen!) for staying safe while cycling.

Safety first

• Buy the right bike for your child
• Make sure everyone's bike is well-maintained.
• If you can, try to cycle on cycle paths away from the road. We are lucky in that we have one which runs along a disused railway path - so the real bonus is it's flat! If there isn't one near to you, try to choose a route with dedicated cycle paths. Visit the excellent Cycle Route website for ideas of routes all over the UK.
• Make sure everyone is visible - your children should wear brightly-coloured cycle vests. Don't let your children cycle in the dark  unless absolutely necessary and if they must, make sure their bikes have working lights.
• A helmet is an absolute must. Buy one which fits well and is appropriate for your child.

Cycling lessons

Consider lessons for your child, especially before you allow them to cycle on the road. Bikeability - billed as cycling proficiency for the 21st century, runs lessons all over the country, often through schools or local councils.

In many areas lessons are free or subsidised - for adults as well as children. When we were struggling to get Toby to ditch his stabilisers, a one-hour, free lesson gave him the confidence to do so. Lessons are also available for older children to teach them general road sense and more advanced cycling skills. Visit Bikeability and your local council website to find out what's available in your area.

When your child will be ready to cycle alone with vary greatly from child to child and also depend on where you live. The Child Accident Prevention Trust says most children won't be ready to cycle alone in traffic until they are about 11 years old. Don't allow your child to cycle alone until you are confident they are mature enough to understand and deal with the dangers.

Further Reading

Cycling England's website has lots of practical information

Cycling resources from the Child Accident Prevention Trust