SKid lids for kids a must this Christmas

Giving the kids wheels for Christmas can end in injury or worse warned Ministerfor Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel, who has reminded parents to think about safety over the festive season.

With more bicycles, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades popping up on wish lists, it was important to ensure kids had the correct safety gear for a fun and injury free holiday, Mr Mickel said.

"Parents need to teach children how and where to ride their new gift safely and ensure they wear appropriate safety gear at all times.

"To reduce this injury risk, an Australian Standards approved correctly fitted helmet, knee and elbow pads and wrist guards should always be worn."

By law cyclists are required to wear an Australian Standards approved helmet or risk a $75 fine.

"While cyclists can legally ride on a road, footpath or bike path, children under 10 should always be supervised by an adult and ride only on footpaths and bike paths, as their road traffic skills are not yet fully developed."

"Skateboards, rollerblades and foot scooters can be used sensibly on footpaths and shared paths and riders must always give way to pedestrians.

"They can only be used on local streets where the speed limit is 60km/h or lower and you can't use them on roads with a dividing line, lanes or a median strip. If you are caught, you face a $30 on-the-spot fine."

Mr Mickel said it was illegal to ride mini motorbikes on roads or any road-related areas such as footpaths and bike paths.

From 1997 to 2006, five people under 25 years were killed while using wheeled recreational devices within Queensland while 51 people were hospitalised.

Further information about bike and skateboard safety, check out www.skatesafety.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125

December 22, 2007