Using a well-maintained and safe vehicle is a fundamental part of being a safe road user. As students start to travel more independently, it's important for them to consider the steps they can take to help keep themselves and other road users safe.
Bicycle safety checks
When you ride a bicycle on the road, you have a responsibility to make sure it is roadworthy and well-maintained - for your safety, and the safety of others. Regular checks only take a few minutes and following the shape of the letter M means you won’t miss anything out.
Use the factsheets and films below to help students understand:
- How to carry out a simple ‘M’ check on a bicycle
- The law around making sure yourbicycle is fit for the road. how to carry out safety checks on their bicycles.
Where possible, invite small groups of students to carry out bicycle checks with you in school, helping them gain the confidence to do this by themselves.
You could also invite your local fire or police service or cycle training organisation to come into school during Road Safety Week to talk about cycle safety and bicycle checks.
Use this factsheet to help students learn more about carrying out checks on their bicycle, and the law surrounding bicycle maintenance
Print this checklist and display in a visible place, to remind pupils to check their bicycles
Use this checklist to make a note of what you’ve checked and any repairs you need to make
Watch a short film by Brake to learn how to carry out a simple M check on your bicycle.
Safety checks on cars and vans
Vehicle checks with older pupils
Older pupils in years 10 and 11, or sixth form, may find it beneficial to learn how to carry out basic vehicle checks. Use the factsheet below to support these discussions.
A few quick checks, before every journey, can help keep drivers, and others, safe. If you have any concerns that there’s a problem with a vehicle, take it to a garage immediately – putting it off could cost money, result in a breakdown, or worse, lead to a serious crash.
Please note: Although Brake provides guidance on how to complete a basic vehicle safety check, we bear no responsibility for the vehicle checks completed by participating individuals and organisations. Employers and drivers maintain responsibility for remedying any faults found during vehicle checks and Brake cannot be held responsible for any faults that are not picked up in vehicle safety checks.