This is probably preaching to the converted but I've just found out that my best friend's nine year old was in a collision yesterday with a car while riding a bike. Unfortunately his bare head was used as a stopper.
He's now in hospital with a shattered wrist, which has had to be pinned. His head is cut open and there is talk of plastic surgery (not sure why yet).
This happened on a campsite where the speed limit is 5mph and on fairly flat ground.
My friend's child was lent the bike by his friend and found out to his cost that the brakes didn't work.
My friends are not outdoor types and don't take their children cycling, so wouldn't think to check a bike over or see if anything was wrong before hand. So it seems that it is always best to wear a helmet even when cycling 'just for a moment'.
Been there, with my son on the bonnet of someone's car. Entirely my son's fault, and thankfully the very alert driver ensured a low speed impact. Helmets for bikes and boards are mandatory in this house regardless of how long they're riding for. Best wishes to your mate and a speedy recovery to his boy.
same here with my 4, only kids on the estate that do though!!
when my now 8 yr old was 5, he was scooting down the cul de sac, which is quite steep on his Cnoc 16. Unbeknowns to either of us the front brake had popped out the noodle. His landing spot was the tailgate of a Golf parked in a drive. A few cuts, bruises, helmet wrecked, tailgate very dented - no real harm though.
deffo mandatory in this house too
Oh yes!! Same here!!
yes as do i
Yip.
+1 , He doesn't get to throw a leg over his bike till it's on.
[img] http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQfH4bCXPTWVNZMG3f49ypKjf9M5Eo7wkPEgP8UB9l7Y3CHXrID [/img]
Naa, helmets are rubbish, wouldn't have done any good.
please see other thread.
Hope said nine yr old is ok, & hasn't been put off! 😕
Have always insisted my two wear their helmets on their bikes and trikes. After an incident two weeks ago, I now insist on helmets while on their scooters too. 5.5 year old boy, scooter, face and brick wall are not a good combo. Lots of tears, blood and swelling. Helmets compulsory now.
I think Coaster brakes should be on all kids bikes. I keep seeing kids bikes with massive brake levers they canny reach. Their wee hands just don't have the power. This even includes specialist bikes for disabled kids!!
It's a ****ing miracle how we managed as a species before bicycle helmets.
Broken wrist so he needs a helmet?
Should've taken the kid to the pub. Much safer.
not always, No..
but then mine aren't dumb enough to ride where they're likely to be hit by a car or ride someone elses shite bike.
Broken wrist so he needs a helmet?
Selective reading????
His head is cut open and there is talk of plastic surgery (not sure why yet).
Reading between the lines, head cut open + plastic surgery would generally imply facial injuries.
(don't agree or disagree with TJ here btw, don't have kids but I guess I'd sooner have a cycling kid with no helmet than a non-cycling kid with a bike in the garage and a helmet in a box. I refused to wear one when I was a kid, if my mum or dad tried to force me I just wouldn't ride...)
[img] 
[/img]
Oh, he's already here. Damn.
The child is still in hospital and parents hoping to come home tomorrow. He's in a great deal of pain.
Our 8 year old nephew is not allowed near his bike until he's got his helmet on. He's had a few otb moments with us, as he's keen on mtbing.
plastic surgery would generally imply facial injuries.
Helmets protect faces somewhat, that's why they stick out a bit.
Shoes
Trousers
Shirt
Helmet
That's how it goes. Just another item of clothing for biking in. It's such a non-issue for me. I'd no sooner ride without a helmet than ride without trousers - I feel just as naked without one.