TyreSafe, a UK road safety charity dedicated to raising awareness of tyre safety, has formally partnered with Bikeability, the national cycle training programme, to help equip the next generation of cyclists with essential tyre safety knowledge from the very start of their road journeys.
Cycling offers young people independence, fun, and freedom but safety starts with the tyres. Tyres are the only point of contact between the bike and the road, and poorly maintained tyres can lead to incidents and injuries. Research from Cycling UK shows that mechanical failures, including tyre problems, contribute to a proportion of cycling collisions and falls, underlining the importance of regular checks. By working together, TyreSafe and Bikeability will promote basic tyre checks as an essential part of every young cyclist’s routine, helping them build good habits for life.
As part of the partnership, TyreSafe has launched a new dedicated online resource for young cyclists and their parents at www.tyresafe.org/young-cyclists. The guidance offers easy-to-follow advice on how to check tyre pressure, spot damage, ensure wheel alignment and check valves, empowering children to take responsibility for their own safety before every ride.
The partnership is a significant step in embedding fundamental tyre safety awareness in young road users. Studies in road safety education show that introducing good maintenance habits early such as checking tyres, makes it more likely individuals will continue these safety checks when they move on to driving motor vehicles. This creates safer road users for life.
Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “This partnership with Bikeability allows us to instil tyre safety awareness at the earliest stages of road use. Tyres aren’t just an issue for motorists, they matter just as much for cyclists, especially young riders who are still developing their road sense. If we can encourage these simple safety habits now, we’ll help create a generation of cyclists and future drivers and riders, who take responsibility for their own safety and look after the vehicles they rely on to stay safe on the road.”
Aaron Tillyer, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Bikeability, said, “We’re thrilled to be working with TyreSafe to support young people in becoming safe and responsible cyclists. Tyres are often overlooked, but they’re absolutely vital to safety on two wheels. By helping children understand how to check their tyres and why it matters, we’re giving them lifelong skills they can carry forward as cyclists today and drivers and riders tomorrow.”
With increasing opportunities for children to cycle to school and for leisure, such as through the new Mayoral Active Travel Network and initiatives like October’s Cycle to School Week, ensuring they start every ride with a simple tyre safety check will help reduce risks and build confidence on the road.
TyreSafe and Bikeability will continue working together to integrate tyre safety advice into national cycle training programmes and encourage parents to get involved in making road safety a shared responsibility.
