Cycling is a fun, healthy and environmentally friendly way to get about, but cycling during the summer months can result in more than twice the number of accidents for young people - latest figures show an average 735 young cyclists were killed or injured during May to September, compared to 313 during the winter and autumn months.
The band's safety message show the importance of wearing a cycle helmet and how helmets can help protect cyclists in the event of an accident. Band member Calvin says, "Cycling is a great way to get about - it keeps you fit and it's good fun. To stay safe, make sure you have a helmet and wear it whenever you are on your bike. I spend a lot of time street skating when I'm not performing, and I always make sure I have the right safety gear on."
To keep safe on the roads, the THINK! campaign advises young cyclists to:
• Choose your bike with care to make sure it is the right size for you;
• Find out where cycle training courses are available in your area and enrol on one;
• Make sure you know your highway code;
• Know where special cycle routes, paths and lanes are provided in your area so that you can spend less time on busy roads;
• Make sure you wear a cycle helmet every time you ride your bike, even on short journeys close to home. Research from TRL2 shows that it is likely that 85 per cent of cyclists do not wear a cycle helmet, despite the well-known benefits;
• Make yourself easily visible to other road users - wear fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night;
• Stay aware when you are on your bike - don't wear a personal stereo or use a mobile phone whilst cycling. If you're cycling with friends, keep your mind and eyes on the road;
• Look after your bike properly - make sure that the front and back lights work well, the back reflector is clean and the brakes and tyres are working well. Remember, it is an offence to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back;
• Make sure you have a cycle lock and that the frame is marked with your postcode. Use a cycle rack to park your bike if possible.
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