Re: CYCLING
There's one stalwart of Christmas lists over the years that will always be a favourite of kids young and old. The bike.
We all remember the feeling of freedom that two wheels gave us when we were younger and things don't change from generation to generation.
As well as the sense of achievement that the little one gets, there's also the health and fitness benefits learning to ride a bike can give a child and the rest of the family.
However, remember to stay safe at all times.
Here's some safety tips from the Dept of Transport:
- Check which cycle training courses are available at your child's school and encourage them to take one if possible.
- Make sure your child always wears a cycle helmet (and wear one yourself to set an example), as it will help to protect them if they have an accident, it will also help build their confidence when learning to ride without stabilisers.
- Children under the age of 10 should not be allowed to cycle on the road.
- Make sure that your child's bike is the right size and that the front and back lights work, the back reflector is clean and the brakes and tyres are working. It is an offence to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back.
- In some areas, special cycle routes, paths and lanes are provided – if this is the case in your area, make sure your child is aware where they are.
Make sure your child has a cycle lock and that the frame is marked clearly with your postcode.
Be Safe
Be Seen
This year's Be Safe Be Seen campaign was launched on Friday 26th October in preparation for the clocks going back. As the days become shorter, children are more vulnerable as they are less visible to motorists.
Encourage all children to wear something bright and take extra care when out and about near roads.
Be sure to be bright, morning and night. Making sure you can be easily seen, especially at night, on dark days and in bad weather.
Bright or fluorescent clothes show up best in the day, especially in dull or misty weather.
By night, reflective material is best and shows up in car headlights – fluorescent clothing doesn't work after dark. Reflective tape can be put on clothing, school bags and equipment.Cross the road at the safest place possible. e.g. zebra, pelican, puffin and patrolled crossings.
Remember to always take your time and use the Green Cross Code:
Stop, Look, Listen.
If you are out at night, choose routes that are well-lit by streetlights and cross at well-lit places.
Visit hedgehogs.gov.uk for further information and plenty of fun activities that will teach your son or
daughter how to stay safe when out and about on the streets as either a cyclist, a pedestrian, a rollerblader or even a passenger in a car.
Local bike trails.
There are 3 cycle trails at the Chase designed for leisure cyclist and families. These trails are open all year round and are free of charge.
The leisure trails have been developed from the long-established family routes around Cannock Chase.
Birches Valley Trail
A short route based around the Birches Valley visitor centre and Lady Hill Coppice. Ideal for young children who are just getting to grips with riding a bike solo.
Fair Oak Pools Trail
Extending the Birches Valley loop, this trail circles the Fair Oak Pools with and option of returning to Birches Valley or continuing up Marquis Drive.
Sherbrook Valley Trail
Taking the longer Fair Oak Pools trail continues through Sherbrook Valley in the direction of Millford Common. This trail uses bridle ways and forest fire roads but is likely to be unsuitable for children and very inexperienced riders due to the loose surface and climbing sections.
Don't worry if you need to hire bikes or other equipment, Swinnertons Forrest Centre is right on hand and located conveniently beside the visitor centre.
Discover more at www.chasetrails.co.uk
Good places for learning to ride bikes are: Beacon Park, Sutton Park and Tamworth Town Park. All have large grassy areas to fall off on. Kingsbury Water Park also hire bikes and you can stop off and play at the two playgrounds to give them a little break from all the pedalling and yourself a well earned break sat on a park bench.
