Road safety for children: How to make your bike roadworthy
Children on the road - that means responsibility. Especially if your child is travelling by bike, you should make sure that it is roadworthy. After all, a safe children's bike protects them, gives them self-confidence and ensures that your child is clearly visible.
What does a bicycle need to be roadworthy?
The German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) specify exactly what a bicycle must have to be roadworthy. These points are regularly checked by the police.
The following equipment is mandatory:
- Two independent, functioning brakes
- A bright bell
- White front light (with dynamo or battery)
- White front reflector
- Red rear light and red reflector
- Two yellow spoke reflectors or reflective tyre/rim strips
- Pedals with yellow reflectors to the front and rear
If you want to make your bike roadworthy, make sure that all these elements are present and functional.
Roadworthy bikes for children - what is important?
A roadworthy bike for children needs more than just the minimum requirements. Above all, it should be well adapted to the size and strength of your child:
- Brakes must be easy to operate
- The saddle and handlebar height should be ergonomically correct
- The lighting system must work reliably
- No sharp edges or loose parts
A suitable children's helmet is not compulsory, but is highly recommended - it can save lives in an emergency.
The cycling test in primary school
In many federal states, the bicycle test is organised by the police in the 3rd or 4th grade. Children not only learn the traffic rules, but also have to compete with a roadworthy children's bike. The police check the equipment of the bikes very carefully in advance - if, for example, lights, reflectors or a functioning brake are missing, your child will not be allowed to take part in the practical test. This makes it all the more important to check everything early on and maintain the bike regularly. A detailed guide to preparing for the cycle test at primary school will also help.
When is a bicycle roadworthy - and what happens if it is not?
A bicycle is not considered roadworthy if even one prescribed part is missing or defective. This can lead to a warning during police checks. The fine for a bicycle that is not roadworthy is usually between 10 and 25 euros. In the case of children, the parents are often also contacted.
Is a roadworthy bicycle compulsory?
Yes - the prescribed equipment is mandatory by law (§ 67 StVZO). The road safety obligation applies to all bicycles in road traffic - including children's bicycles. If you comply with it, you not only protect yourself, but also other road users.
Tip: Check out our shop for suitable products - from bicycle lights and pedals to the perfect children's bike. This will keep your child safe and visible on all roads.
Tip for teachers: Free guide to the bicycle test
Road safety starts with good preparation - even in the classroom. We recommend Twinkl's free guide for teachers, which offers valuable materials and suggestions for preparing for the bike test.
👉To thefree guide from Twinkl
