Kids cycle safety in Sydney
 

Hi Guys,

We live in Manly and our 14 year old wants to ride on the roads, on his own. In the UK I would have wanted him to complete a cycle proficiency course to learn some basic smarts before letting him loose. I know 14 sounds old but I really don't think they have an appropriately developed sense of danger yet at that age.

Does anyone know of Cycle Safety courses being run here in Sydney?

Re: Kids cycle safety in Sydney
 

14 years old is pretty old, and unless he's planning an alternative career as a cycle courier in the CBD and assuming of course he can actually ride a bike, I'd let him loose on his own. A couple of grazed hands when he falls off will give him a healthy appreciation for safety.

I don't know about NSW but in Qld at least helmets are compulsory which should allay your fears somewhat.

Re: Kids cycle safety in Sydney
 

They generally do this at Primary school in year 5/6 here. The school has had whole classes riding around the streets of Brunswick, on busy roads as well. It must be a nightmare for the teachers. Parents accompany the class. They also have car free days, where your child is expected to Cycle to school and this in very busy Inner Melbourne. At least it's backed up with weeks of "Bike Ed" I've always assumed they do this around the whole of Aus ? All the schools around here do this.

Not sure what you do once your child has passed the age at which they teach this.

Re: Kids cycle safety in Sydney
 

As a cyclist since 10 (and btw my brother is actually a cycle safety trainer in the UK), I am sure he will be fine :) but I can understand your concern. A couple of useful starting points might be Bicycle NSW:

http://www.bicyclensw.org.au/content...fety-workshops

NSW cycling is more sport-oriented.

Re: Kids cycle safety in Sydney
 

I also know that in Victoria it is compulsory to wear a helmet and I pretty sure that is the case Australia wide.

Re: Kids cycle safety in Sydney
 

CARES runs cycle safety courses, google them. St. Ives is probably your closest venue. I know people are saying 14 is fairly old, but I don't let my 16 year old cycle on the roads here, luckily there are a lot of cycle paths nearby. Sydney is car obsessed and cyclists regularly get killed on the roads here. I would look very carefully at EXACTLY where he wants to go; there is a lot of traffic in Manly! The helmet being compulsory thing is fantastic - no more arguments.

Re: Kids cycle safety in Sydney
 

It's not that bad in Sydney.

OP might also find something useful in http://www.cyclingpromotion.com.au/

Re: Kids cycle safety in Sydney
 

Happened to come across further info here... http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/A...yclingTips.asp
http://www.bikewise.com.au/