Safe with the bike

For your child, the bicycle is a popular means of transport, with which he or she is independent, can travel independently to school and friends or explore the area. But traffic is dangerous in many places. What's more, children and teenagers tend to overestimate their skills, while often underestimating the dangers of road traffic. Find out what you should keep in mind to ensure that your child is safe on the road in this guide.

Young cyclists are statistically more at risk of accidents than other people. Children between the ages of 10 and 16 are particularly affected. Why is that? As a rule, children and young people cannot yet assess risky situations or dangers in road traffic as well as adults. They are much more carefree and reckless on the road, sometimes even lacking concentration. Due to their age, boys in particular tend to engage in risky behavior and overestimate themselves during puberty. Added to this: During puberty, wearing a bicycle helmet suddenly becomes childish and uncool for many kids. This makes them less willing to wear a helmet.

It is important to keep reminding your child to be a prudent and anticipatory driver. Make a point of ensuring that your child always wears a bicycle helmet that protects against serious head injuries. As parents, be a good role model yourself in this regard! You should regularly check the bicycle with your child to make sure that the lights and brakes are working properly. Also make your daughter and son aware of particularly risky situations in road traffic, such as turning maneuvers by cars and trucks. Point out to your child that cell phones are taboo on bicycles: since 2017, picking up or holding an electronic device for communication, information, and organization while riding has been prohibited.

The Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) specify how a roadworthy bicycle is to be equipped. This includes:

• Two independent brakes
.
• Two non-slip and firmly bolted pedals with two forward and rear-facing yellow reflectors
.
• Lighting: one white front headlight and one red rear light
.
• One white reflector in the front and one red large reflector in the rear
.
• Reflectors or reflective strips on tires or rims
.
• A brightly sounding bell

Important to know: If the bicycle is not equipped in accordance with the regulations and thereby impairs road safety, fines may be imposed.

If your child rides a bicycle or scooter to general or vocational school, he or she is covered by statutory accident insurance on the direct route there. If an accident happens on the way, then the costs for medical treatment and rehabilitation are covered by the statutory accident insurance. Provided: Your child travels on a direct route and does not make any detours along the way.

Your child is legally insured against accidents not only on the direct way to and from school, but also during lessons and breaks. In addition, accident protection applies to all undertakings and activities for which the school is responsible, such as events, hikes, class excursions and stays in school camps.

If your child breaks off the journey to school or back home, for example to buy sweets at the supermarket, or takes a detour with his or her friends, there is no accident cover. There is also no insurance coverage for trips and activities that are not organized by the school. This includes, for example, trips to private tutoring, private music school or sports club. This insurance gap can only be closed with private accident insurance.

If an accident has happened at school or on the immediate way there or back, you should report it to the statutory accident insurance immediately. Even if it is supposedly only a trivial matter. This is the only way to secure benefits for your child in the event of long-term consequences. For this purpose, keep all medical documents, for example X-rays, findings or doctor's letters. Be sure to tell your doctor or dentist if the accident happened at school or on the way to or from school. If consequential or long-term damage occurs at a later date, the statutory accident insurance may pay for it.