We have noticed a number of children not wearing helmets when cycling to and from school. Did you realise that in New Zealand a person must not ride, or be carried on, a bicycle on a road unless the person is wearing a safety helmet of an approved standard that is securely fastened? Riding a bicycle is a great way for kids to spend time outdoors getting exercise. Falls from bicycles cause serious head and facial injuries, so please make sure your child wears a helmet for every ride.

Here are tips on how to help your child get into the habit.

Establish the helmet habit early

Have your children wear helmets as soon as they start to ride scooters or tricycles and if they are a passenger on the back of an adult's bike. If they learn to wear helmets whenever they ride something with wheels, it becomes a habit for a lifetime. It's never too late, however, to get your children into helmets.

Wear a helmet yourself

Children learn best by watching you. Whenever you ride your bike, put on your helmet. Plan bicycle outings during which all family members wear their helmets to further reinforce the message. The most important factor influencing children to wear helmets is riding with an adult who wears a helmet.

Talk to your children about why you want them to protect their heads

There are many things you can tell your children to convince them of the importance of helmet use.   Bikes are vehicles, not toys. You love and value them and their intelligence, and need to protect them. They can permanently hurt their brains or even die of head injuries.  

Let your children choose and decorate their helmets

Let your child to choose their own helmet. If they like the design, they are more likely to wear it. Just check the label to make sure the helmet meets the bicycle safety standards and that it fits correctly.  Encourage them to decorate their helmet to express their individuality. Adding reflective stickers and LED lights can also make it easier for drivers to see your child.

Reward your kids for wearing helmets

Praise them when they wear their helmets without having to be told.

Don't let children ride their bikes unless they wear their helmets

Be consistent. If you allow your children to ride occasionally without their helmets, they won't believe that helmet use really is important. Tell your children they have to find another way to get where they are going if they don't want to use their helmets.

Encourage your children's friends to wear helmets

Peer pressure can be used in a positive way if several families in the neighborhood make helmet use a regular habit at the same time.

Remember

Head injuries can occur on sidewalks, on driveways, on bike paths, and in parks as well as on streets. You cannot predict when a fall from a bike will occur. It's important to wear a helmet on every ride.