The specialist warns parents of children on bicycles: this safety measure is a must

Although summer is slowly giving way to autumn, bicycle riders remain active. Not only do they cycle to work, but they also take their offspring to kindergartens, clubs, etc. Senior Specialist Inspector List Dijokait warns parents to follow traffic rules more closely and to transport their children by bicycle with due care for their safety.

According to the inspector, when choosing a child seat it is important to pay attention to the basic parameter - what weight the child is intended for. "Weight is paramount because otherwise, the driver may not have control over the bike. Another important thing is that the child must wear a helmet. There are no exceptions," she said. If a helmet is required, a reflective vest is not. "When it comes to a child who is like a passenger on a bicycle, a vest is not mandatory for him. When it comes to the driver, a vest is always needed if you are driving in the dark. In daylight hours, a vest is only required when the cyclist is in the driveway. There are places where bike lanes are part of the road. For example, in Vilnius, Gedimino ave. If such a lane is used during the day, either a vest or lights are needed," A.Dijokaitė shared the traffic rules. Nowadays, when not only bicycles but also electric scooters have taken over the streets, the inspector says it is not safe to park your child on such a scooter. "There are no rules, but I think that is dangerous. By default, all motor vehicles - motorcycles, mopeds, quads, tricycles - can only be occupied by persons over the age of 12. The carriage of younger persons is prohibited. The traffic rules do not specify what can be carried with electric bikes or scooters, but if it can be classified as a moped in terms of power and may exceed the speed limit, the child must not be carried. This is very unsafe and should not be," the inspector said.

However, she sees the most common offense on the street when parents carry children without helmets. "A helmet is mandatory in such situations. If a child drives a bicycle himself/herself, then a helmet is also mandatory if he/she is 18 in the driveway. It is recommended for adults over 18," the inspector recalls.