Broom Cottages Ambassadors for Community Change have been helping Glenys from Approach Too to continue deliver important information to year 5 and 6 pupils in all the schools in Ferryhill.
Glenys said: ”We really want to highlight the dangers of riding illegal bikes and quads and the legal rules that everyone must follow to stay safe and out of trouble.”
Did you know that most doctors recommend children under 16 DO NOT ride dirt bikes and other off-road motorbikes? This is because riding requires skills and a level of judgment most young children have yet to develop.
However, if you and your parents do decide that you can ride an off -road bike or quad, or you are a passenger and you are riding on private land with the land owners permission, there are lots of important things you can do to keep yourself safe.
Remember – riding an unregistered illegal bike or quad with no road tax, insurance or licence, riding with no brakes, silencers, brake light, front and rear lights, direction indicators or footrests will get you and your parents in trouble with the police.
Also remember that if you have an accident, you might get seriously hurt!
Keep the following points in mind:
1.If you don’t have the correct safety equipment, do not get on the bike – either as a rider or passenger. Always wear a helmet.
2.Never ride on pavements or roads. Off-road bikes and quads are not street legal or safe for paved roads.
3.Never, ever travel at high speed. Traveling at high speed makes a bike more difficult to control and more likely to crash.
4.Never ride in the rain. Wet weather really increases the odds of an accident occurring.
5.Always check the bike before riding. Off-road bikes suffer a lot of wear and tear and are not usually well cared for. If you ever choose to get on a bike, always make sure that the tires aren’t worn, that the brakes are in good condition, and that the bike is in good shape.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
