Parent Handle & Children's Bicycle Accessories
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Ride Safe.

 

The world has learnt a lot over the centuries and probably one of the most significant advances in the modern era is safety. We are encouraged, expected and trained to work safely in our homes and have standards and recommendations in place where ever we turn. All for good reason, there is nothing more important than safe guarding human life.

This is also true for riding bikes and as responsible parents this safety culture starts with us. Encourage your child to always ride his trike, scooter and bike with the correct protection will foster a safe centred approach to all they do going forward.

All helmets sold by retailers meet the country of sales standards set down by government which is usually US; CPSC Standard, UK/Europe; CEN standard, AU/NZ; AS/NZS 2063

If you find helmet without one of these standards in place don't risk it. Sizing of helmets is an important part of how protected the child will be, check the size, measure their heads and ensure the correct fit. Kids love dressing up so why not let them choose some protective gloves and pad sets they will feel cool and you will know you have done the best you can to protect them when they fall off and they will fall off.

Below are some alarming statistics on bike injuries and fatalities from studies carried out over time. From these statistics it is clear that protective equipment helps and is a must have for when we are out and about on our bikes.

Ride safe and happy cycling from the Jestomic team

 

Statistics from the Children's Safety Network June, 2009

(Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute)

 

Bicycle injuries and deaths affect children and young people more often than any other age group.

 
  • In 2005, 44 percent of nonfatal bicycle injuries occurred in children and youth age 5 to 20.
  • In 2005, the rate per million of nonfatal bicycle injuries in children and youth age 5 to 20 was 462.17 compared to 153.3 overall.
  • In 2005, children and youth age 0 to 20 made up 23.4 percent of bicycle fatalities.
  • In 2005, the rate per million of bicycle fatalities in children and youth age 5 to 20 was 4.37 compared to 2.64 overall.
  • In 2005, children under 15 accounted for 53 percent of bicycle injuries treated in emergency deparments.
  • From 1999 to 2002, the average annual cost of bicycle fatalities in children and youth age 0 to 19 was $1.03 billion.
  • From 1999 to 2002, the average annual cost of nonfatal bicycle injuries in children and youth age 0 to 19 was $3.6 billion.
  •  

    Young cyclists are more likely than adult cyclists to die of head injuries, most of which are caused by motor vehicle collisions.

     

  • Among children and youth age 0 to 19 in 2000:
  • Head injuries accounted for 62.6 percent of bicycle fatalities.
  • Collisions with motor vehicles accounted for 75.7 percent of bicycle fatalities.
  • 61.7 percent of motor vehicle collision deaths were due to head injury.
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    Statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Fatality Facts: Bicycles - 2008

  • Less than two percent of motor vehicle crash deaths are bicyclists. The most serious injuries among a majority of those killed are to the head, highlighting the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet. Helmet use has been estimated to reduce head injury risk by 85 percent. Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia have helmet laws applying to young bicyclists; none of these laws applies to all riders. Local ordinances in a few states require some or all bicyclists to wear helmets. A nationwide telephone survey estimated that state helmet use laws increase by 18 percent the probability that a rider will wear a helmet. Helmets are important for riders of all ages, especially because 86 percent of bicycle deaths are persons 16 and older.
  • The following facts are based on analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
  • A total of 714 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2008. Bicyclist deaths were down 29 percent since 1975 but were up 14 percent since 2003. The decline since 1975 among female bicyclists (50 percent) was larger than the decline among male bicyclists (24 percent).
  • Ninety-one percent of bicyclists killed in 2008 reportedly weren't wearing helmets.
  •  

    Bicycle Deaths by Helmet Use
    1994-2006

    Year No Helmet Helmet Total*
    Num
    1994776 (97%)19 (2%)796
    1995783 (95%)34 (4%)828
    1996731 (96%)27 (4%)761
    1997785 (97%)23 (3%)811
    1998741 (98%)16 (2%)757
    1999698 (93%)42 (6%)750
    2000622 (90%)50 (7%)689
    2001616 (84%)60 (8%)729
    2002589 (89%)54 (8%)663
    2003535 (85%)58 (9%)626
    2004602 (83%)87 (12%)722
    2005676 (86%)77 (10%)784
    2006730 (95%)37 (5%)669
    2007646 (92%)50 (7%)699
    2008653 (91%)58 (8%)714

     

    *Total includes other and/or unknowns. BHSI Note: cause of death may or may not have been head injury.