Walking and Cycling Safety for Youth

Safety check

Even if your youth has biked for years or feels confident, it is always a good idea to review some of the basics:

• Wearing a helmet is important for everyone!  Parents can set a good example by wearing theirs.
• Identify safe routes with your youth. Discuss how to stay safe when it's dark outside or when they are alone.
• Encourage your youth to wear bright colours and use reflective materials. In bad weather, visibility is even more important.
• Make eye contact with drivers and other road users before you step off the curb.
• Encourage your youth to limit distractions and look up to keep an eye on the road. When your youth is looking down, they are not paying attention to their surroundings.
• Visit Ontario’s Guide to Safe Cycling for lots of great information.
• Review the rules of the road before cycling, walking or wheeling.
• When walking, cross only at designated crossings such as pedestrian crossovers and intersections.
• When cycling, help your youth understand right-of-way and road signs.
• Visit School Zone Traffic Safety for more road safety rules.
• Visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website for cycling safety laws.
• Dress for the weather. Here are a few tips on protecting your youth in cold weather in Ottawa.

Learn more about the benefits of walking and cycling to school here. The City of Ottawa also offers short and affordable cycling courses that can help everyone improve their skills.

Visit the Ottawa Public Health Cycling page for bike maps and tips. Check out the Walking page  for local walking and hiking resources.  Also visit this link for more information on bike repair stations.

Learn more about helmet safety for your youth.

Learn more about safety when walking or biking to school.