Version control: Original 1986 / Updated 1999 / Updated 2003 / Updated 2014 / Updated 2016
Introduction
You must refer to the Requirements for All Sport and Physical Activity (PSF 466KB) to understand your overall compliance responsibilities.
It is important to note that under the traffic laws, bicycles are recognised as legal vehicles and as such:
- Cyclists are required to obey the road rules.
- Off-road cycleways are legally classified as streets.
- All vehicles including bicycles must always give way to pedestrians.
The teacher-in-charge must involve students in a cycling safety education program prior to the activity. The program should provide instruction in road and traffic rules, signs and signals, road safety and, as appropriate, formation riding. Contact the Road Safety Education Officer in your Educational Services Team for more information.
Only those students who can demonstrate competent riding skills and a thorough knowledge of traffic regulations are to be selected as participants.
Parents must be informed of full details of the location, supervision to be provided and activities to be undertaken when seeking their written permission.
Students are to be instructed to use adequate sun protection, e.g. an SPF50+, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen reapplied regularly.
Teacher/Instructor Qualifications and Experience
The teacher/instructor must be suitably qualified and must have proven experience in conducting BMX cycling.
Supervision
If an adult other than a teacher is engaged as a leader, a teacher must be present to take overall responsibility. A teacher must be present who has recognised current training in emergency care.
The teacher to student ratio must not exceed 1:15.
Equipment
Each student must have their own correctly sized bicycle and be aware of the NSW Road Rules relating to bicycles. The bicycle must be fitted with efficient and well maintained brakes, tyres, chain and gears if applicable. Bicycles for velodrome cycling must conform to NSW Cycling Federation specifications. Standard bicycles are unsuitable.
Road bicycles are not to be used for BMX activities. Each student must ride a recognised brand of BMX bicycle which is adequately padded on handle bars, cross bar and goose neck.
Repairs and adjustments required to bicycles are the responsibility of the parents/caregivers.
The teacher-in-charge should carry out a safety check of all bicycles prior to the commencement of the program in order to give parents time to adjust and correct faults should they be detected.
If any participating student's bicycle fails the pre-course bicycle check or if the parent/caregiver does not make the required repairs or adjustments, the bicycle is not to be used in the program until such time as the repairs or adjustments have been made.
A helmet meeting Standards Australia specification must be worn by students at all times. For BMX, knee and elbow pads, gloves, closed shoes, long sleeved top and long pants must also be worn.
Students should wear light coloured close fitting clothing e.g. shorts, aerobic pants or cycling ‘knicks’. Baggy clothing is unsuitable for this type of activity.
A mobile phone to be used in an emergency situation is desirable on all rides but teachers should allow for the fact that they may not operate in all locals.
A well-equipped medical kit must be readily available.
Venues
BMX riding must only be conducted at a recognised BMX facility. Check with Council if in doubt.
Safety
Bicycle safety checks must occur before the program commences and at the beginning of each lesson. Students must be encouraged to perform the bicycle roadworthiness check under the teacher's supervision.
Teachers are to instruct students to regularly maintain their bicycles particularly brakes, tyres, chains and gears.
The teacher-in-charge should check to ensure that each student is wearing an approved bicycle helmet and that the chin strap is securely fastened. The teacher must check that the students’ shoelaces are securely tied.
A rider who suddenly swerves, pushes or pulls another rider, interferes with the progress of a fellow rider, or removes his or her hands from the handlebars in a manner considered dangerous should be penalised and if a serious, persistent offender, disqualified from participation.
Program
All programs and event schedules must be designed considering the age, experience and maturity of the participants. Students must demonstrate suitable cycling skills before being allowed to take part in BMX competitions.
Competitions must be carefully planned and structured to accommodate participant ability levels.
Where appropriate, the number of participants in competition events must be restricted to ensure the safety of all participants.