Wheeled Sport Safety

In Ontario, it is mandatory for anyone under the age of 18 to wear a certified helmet while riding a bicycle.

Helmets are recommended for people of all ages and all abilities while doing activities like skateboarding, rollerblading, biking, sledding, skating, skiing and snowboarding.

Ways to Keep Children Safe:

  • Always wear the right safety gear for the activity you are doing
  • Walk equipment across an intersection. Riding through cross walks is illegal and dangerous
  • Never grab onto a moving car or other vehicles
  • Only one person rides the bike. No passengers
  • Avoid wearing headphones or using cell phones while riding
  • Most children love wheeled sports – biking, skateboarding, scooting – and it’s a great way for them to keep healthy
  • As children learn to ride, they need time to develop decision-making skills. It is important for children to take time to develop balance and coordination through practice
  • Be cautious! Once children learn to ride, they will want to go further and faster. They may have trouble waiting for lights (or for a parent/guardian to catch up) and can suddenly ride out on the road
  • Wear clothes that are easy for drivers to see – bright colours/reflective
  • Be sure to ride on clear, even, and paved surfaces
  • Try to stay away from traffic and pedestrians. Ride in safe places such as the park, trails or school playground
  • If you want to try a wheeled sport, consider taking lessons before you start. For more information, visit CanBike lessons or Specialty sports Camps
  • Parents/guardians should be close enough to reach children who are learning to ride any wheeled sports equipment
  • Children must be supervised until they have developed their skills or are at least 10 years old
  • Even older children may need on-going supervision
  • Make family safety rules with your children
  • Help them understand why rules are important and always need to be followed
  • Tell your children you are proud of them riding safely
  • Be a role model. Follow the safety rules because children learn by watching you
  • The rider’s feet should touch the ground when sitting on the bike seat. Be sure to wear shoes with covered toes
  • Make sure breaks are working, the tires have air and the chain is securely in place. See ABC Quick Check in the Young Cyclist’s Guide for more information
  • Make sure your bike has the proper safety equipment. The law requires a bell or horn, lights (when riding at night), reflector and reflective tape
  • The City has a network of bikeways including painted bicycle lanes that are designated for bicycles only
  • No person age 14 and older may ride a bicycle on a sidewalk in Toronto
  • Use a certified skateboard helmet. Skateboarding helmets cover more of the back of the head and will protect against more than one crash
  • Skateboarders need to wear wrist guards, elbow and knee pads
  • It is recommended that children under 5 years of age do not use skateboards (The American Academy of Pediatrics)
  • When skateboarding, consider using a skateboard park
  • Wear a certified in-line skating or multi-sport helmet. Bike helmets can also be used for in-line skating
  • Skate should fit as comfortably as a shoe
  • Wheels need to be securely tightened and free of debris/grass
  • Be sure to replace worn out wheels and brakes
  • Wear wrist guards, elbow and knee pads
  • Bike helmets can be used for scooter riding
  • Wear slip resistant shoes, elbow and knee pads
  • Handlebars – children should be able to hold the handlebars without leaning forward
  • Brakes need to be in good working order
  • Wheels should be securely tightened, clear of debris/grass and not worn down. Worn out wheels need to be replaced

Concussion Information: