On the road by bike

Bicycles are a popular means of transportation for children, allowing them to be independent, travel to school and friends or explore the area on their own. But traffic is dangerous in many places. What's more, children and young people tend to overestimate their skills, while often underestimating the dangers of road traffic. Find out here what you should bear in mind to keep your child safe on the road.

Statistically speaking, young cyclists are more at risk of accidents than other people. Children between the ages of 10 and 16 are particularly affected. Why is that?

Children and young people are often not as good as adults at assessing risky situations or dangers on the road. They are more carefree and reckless on the road, sometimes also less focused. Boys in puberty are particularly prone to risky behavior and overestimating their own abilities. What's more, wearing a bike helmet suddenly seems childish and uncool to many kids. This makes them less willing to wear a helmet.

It is important to keep reminding your child to ride carefully and with foresight. Make sure that your child always wears a bicycle helmet that protects against serious head injuries. Be a good role model yourself in this regard!

You should regularly check the bike with your child to ensure that the lights and brakes are working. Make your daughter and son aware of particularly risky situations on the road, such as turning maneuvers by cars and trucks. Point out to your child that cell phones are taboo on the bike: since 2017, it has been forbidden to pick up or hold an electronic device for communication, information and organization while riding.

The Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) stipulate how a roadworthy bicycle must be equipped. This includes:

• two independent brakes,
• two non-slip and firmly bolted pedals with two yellow reflectors working to the front and rear,
• lighting (one white front headlight and one red rear light),
• one white reflector at the front and one large red reflector at the rear,
• reflectors or reflective strips on the tires or rim and
• a bright-sounding bell.

If the bike is not equipped in accordance with the regulations and road safety is impaired as a result, fines may be imposed.

If your child rides a bike or scooter to school or vocational school, they are covered by statutory accident insurance on the direct route there. If an accident occurs on this route, the costs for medical treatment and rehabilitation are covered by statutory accident insurance.

Your child is not only covered by statutory accident insurance on the direct way to and from school, but also during lessons and breaks. In addition, accident cover applies to all activities for which the school is responsible, such as events, hikes, class excursions or stays at school camps.

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

If an accident happens at school or on the way there, you should report it immediately to the statutory accident insurance - 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. Keep all medical documents, for example x-rays, findings or doctor's letters. Be sure to inform 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 cover it.