Bringing Babies and Toddlers on the RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride
What is the minimum age for a Bicycle Network Events?
It is a Bicycle Network policy that all participants in our events are over the age of 12
months.
Why is the minimum age 12 months?
This minimum age of 12 months is enforced to ensure the safety of all event
participants.
Each event participant is required by law to wear a helmet that complies with
Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2063:2008), even if being towed in an enclosed
trailer. Research (1) suggests that children under 12 months of age are unable to bare
the weight of a standard helmet and that significant damage can be caused to a
child’s neck if weight is placed on their head. It is for this and other reasons that the
medical profession recommends that children under 12 months do not carry a
helmet.
My child is over 12 months old, what do I do now?
If your child is over the age of 12 months we encourage you to participate in our
events. We do however have a few recommendations to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your child while on event.
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If your child is between 12 and 24 months old we recommend that you take
your child and helmet to a doctor for advice and to ensure that the child can
safely carry the helmet.
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Research the various types of methods for transporting your child. Front
mounted seat, trailers and rear mounted seats all have their pros and cons,
be sure to determine which is best for you and your child.
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Bicycle Network recommends the use of a trailer as it provides your child with
shelter from the elements as well as a comfortable ride. Ensure that the trailer
is large enough for the child to sit up straight with a helmet on to prevent a
slumped riding position. Also ensure that the trailer is properly vented to allow
for air flow throughout the enclosed space.
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For more information on cycling with children go to
https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/general/bikes-and-riding/41629/
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For advice on child seats and trailers visit http://www.choice.com.au/reviewsand-tests/babies-and-kids/kids-bikes/bikes/bike-child-seats-and-trailersreview-and-compare.aspx
More people cycling more often
Level 4, 246 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia PO Box 24013, Melbourne, Victoria 3001
p. (03) 8376 8888 f. (03) 8376 8800 freecall: 1800 639 634 (country callers) bicyclenetwork.com.au
Bicycle Victoria Incorporated ABN 41 026 835 903 ARBN 054 009 871 Reg No A0008607J
What considerations should I take when taking my child on a Bicycle Network event?
If bringing your child on an event it is imperative that you make your child’s health
and safety your top priority.
Be Prepared! - Due to the unpredictable nature of the weather event participants
must be prepared for all weather conditions. This includes being prepared for
extreme cold and extreme heat. This is particularly important for multi-day events
such as the RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride where all weather conditions can be
experienced by riders.
Babies and children in hot weather - Babies and children under 4 years of age are
particularly sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and can quickly become
distressed by heat. They may not always show signs and symptoms of heat related
stress and due to their limited ability to communicate they rely on others to control
their environment and keep them from becoming dehydrated and overheated, for this
reason it is vital that they are watched closely.
For more information on babies and children in hot weather please visit
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/babies-children-hotweather.aspx and http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/cproot/2868/2/Heatwave%20%20Caring%20for%20babies%20and%20young%20children.pdf
Know the risks – It is vital that as a parent you know the risks associated with
bringing your child on event. We encourage you to create a list of all the risks to your
child and how you can mitigate these risks as best as possible on an event. You can
never be over prepared keeping your child safe.
*Please note that the event doctors, Victoria Police and Bicycle Network
management will have the right to prevent any rider or child from participating in the
ride in the case of extreme weather or conditions that may affect their health.
This may mean a forced retirement at any point in the ride.
If my child or myself cannot finish the ride what happens?
At all Bicycle Network events you will be able to discontinue your involvement in the
event by being collected by a SAG wagon. This vehicle will take you and your child to
the finish line.
*Please be aware that SAG wagons are fitted with bicycle trailers that have a limited
ability to accommodate child trailers.
*Also please note that the RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride enforces a limit on the
number of times you can SAG across the event.
Resources
(1)
http://www.helmets.org/little1s.htm
More people cycling more often
Level 4, 246 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia PO Box 24013, Melbourne, Victoria 3001
p. (03) 8376 8888 f. (03) 8376 8800 freecall: 1800 639 634 (country callers) bicyclenetwork.com.au
Bicycle Victoria Incorporated ABN 41 026 835 903 ARBN 054 009 871 Reg No A0008607J