Student use of bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, motorised scooters and mini-bikes
The following information is designed to provide school communities with information concerning student use of bicycles, rollerblades, scooters and skateboards,motorised scooters and mini-bikes.
- Compulsory wearing of helmets by bicycle riders
- Legal requirements and safety advice about bicycles, rollerblades, scooters and skateboards
- Motorised scooters and mini-bikes
- Recommended age for students riding to school
- Bicycle safety check
- Sample school bicycle policy
- Letter to parents/carers of students sighted not wearing Australian Standards approved helmets when riding to and from school
- Guidelines for the safe conduct of sport and physical activity in schools. Compulsory wearing of helmets by bicycle riders
Compulsory wearing of helmets by bicycle riders
Since July 1 1991, cyclists of all ages have been required by law to wear an Australia Standard approved helmet whenever they ride in a public place, including roads, cycle paths and parks. It is recommended that these helmets be correctly fitted for maximum protection.
Principals must remind students, teachers and parents of the regulation and assist students to address the safety issues associated with helmet use. The principal should also develop strategies with the parent community for supporting this legislation, particularly in relation to students travelling between home and school.
Students cycling to sport or excursions during school time must wear an Australia Standard approved helmet. Students without these helmets may not take part in any school cycling activities, including bicycle safety, on or off school grounds.
Storage and labelling of bicycle helmets is the responsibility of the student, however schools may assist with safe storage of helmets if space permits. If schools do store the helmets, the fact they may be then liable for damage, theft or resultant head injury, should be taken into account.
Legal requirements and safety advice about bicycles, rollerblades, scooters and skateboards
The RTA has a brochure titled The law and safety advice on bicycles, rollerblades, scooters and skateboards.This document can be ordered using the RTA's NSW Primary road safety education program catalogue or by contacting your DET Road Safety Education Consultant
Motorised scooters and mini-bikes
The RTA has laws about the registration and use of motorised bicycles and scooters. This can be accessed on the RTA website by following the links to registration.
Recommended age for riding to school
The RTA recommends that children under the age of 10 should cycle in a safe place off-road away from vehicles and driveways. While children learn cycling skills such as pedalling and steering with relative ease, they have not developed the skills and attitudes required to cycle in traffic. The safest place to play on bicycles, scooters, rollerblades and skateboards are those that have a fence and a gate. This will ensure children can avoid cycling onto or falling onto footpath or road. The most suitable place to use a scooter, rollerblade, rollerskate or skateboard is an area designed for these activities. Children between ten and twelve years should cycle away from busy roads. The Department supports the RTA in this recommendation.
Bicycle safety check
Schools can assist students and their parents in maintaining a student’s bicycle by providing a checklist of features that need to be regularly inspected, and repaired as necessary. Advice and information is available by contacting your DET Road Safety Education Consultant.
Sample school bicycle policy
Schools may choose to write a specific school bicycle policy that outlines the conditions under which a student may ride his or her bicycle to school. A sample policy document is currently under review and will be added to this site when available.
Letter to parents/carers of students sighted not wearing Australian Standards approved helmets when riding to and from school
Schools are obliged to notify parents/carers when a student is seen to be not wearing or incorrectly wearing a bicycle helmet when riding to/from school.
Guidelines for the safe conduct of sport and physical activity in schools
The Guidelines for the safe conduct of sport and physical activity in schools informs and supports school communities in the planning and implementation of safe sport and physical activity, including cycling, mountain biking, roller and in-line skating and skateboard riding. The following pages provide direct reference to these activities:
• Cycling-bicycle safety skills (pp. 128-129)
• Cycling-on road, track (including velodrome) and BMX (pp. 130-133)
• Mountain biking (pp. 173-175)
• Roller and in-line skating (pp. 181-182)
• Skateboard riding (pp. 204-205).
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