Education & Safety: Level 1

Road Safety and Education for Children (Level 1)

Road safety and education for children - MTB Evolution

Goal: Full compliance with Bosnia and Herzegovina's legislation and maximum kids bike safety on the road.

This protocol builds children's road safety through education about the rules, anticipating danger and using protective gear. We teach children to be visible, predictable and never to assume that a car driver has seen them.

Glossary for Young Cyclists

Blind spot The zone around a car (especially a truck) where the driver cannot see you. Key to kids bike safety.
Shoulder Check Turning your head back to check traffic before a turn, without swerving the bike.
Eye contact A survival rule: "If you can't see the eyes of the driver approaching you, assume they can't see you and won't stop."
Calm traffic zone A residential area where vehicles may not move faster than walking pace. This is the only place where children under 9 may ride alone.

1. Legal Framework and Kids Bike Safety (ZOOBS BiH)

These are the basic conditions a cyclist must meet to ensure kids bike safety in traffic:

Rule Legal provision (BiH) Note
Age A person who has turned 12 years old may ride a bicycle on a public road (Article 99). Children from 9 years old may ride when accompanied by a person older than 16.
Where to ride On a bike path/lane or as close as possible to the right edge of the roadway (Article 99). The sidewalk is for pedestrians, unless it is marked as a bike path.
Group riding Riders must travel one behind the other (single file). Riding side by side is prohibited (Article 99).
Speed The maximum speed on a bike path is 25 km/h. Article 46 of ZOOBS.

2. Protective Gear and Visibility

The law is very strict about visibility and protection. Don't be invisible!

Helmet

Mandatory for children under 18! Recommended for everyone, for greater kids bike safety and a safer ride overall.

Vest and Lights

Vest: Mandatory at night.
Lights: White at the front, red at the rear (Article 102).

3. Child-Specific Rules (Carrying and Riding)

Situation Rule
Carrying a child A rider older than 18 may carry a child up to 8 years of age.
Seat A special seat must be fitted, firmly attached to the bike and suitable for the child's age.
Child's helmet A child who is carried or rides independently MUST wear a fastened helmet.
Pedestrian areas Playing and riding a child's bike on the roadway is prohibited (Article 106).

BANS & PENALTIES (ZOOBS BiH)

These are the violations that most often put kids bike safety at risk. The law expressly prohibits:

  • Headphones: Using headphones in both ears is prohibited. (One is allowed.)
  • Phone: Using a phone is prohibited (except hands-free).
  • Hands and feet: Letting go of the handlebars or taking your feet off the pedals is prohibited.
  • Towing: Holding on to another vehicle or towing other vehicles/animals is prohibited.
  • Zebra crossing: Riding across a pedestrian crossing is prohibited! (You must dismount and walk the bike.)

4. Penalty Provisions (Fines)

Breaking these rules brings not only the risk of injury, but also a hit to the parents' wallet.

Violation Fine (BAM)
Riding without lights or a reflective vest (night/fog) 40.00 KM
Using a mobile phone / headphones in both ears 40.00 KM
Riding without holding the handlebars (both hands) 40.00 KM
A child under 12 riding on a public road (unaccompanied) 40.00 KM (Parent)
Failing to respect right of way 50.00 - 250.00 KM

5. Skills Course: Drills for Riding in Traffic

Knowing the law is not enough. A child must have the skills.

1. Looking Back (Shoulder Check)

Practise turning your head back without turning the handlebars. Key for changing lanes.

"Show the Number" game: A parent jogs behind and holds up fingers. The child must look back, see the number and shout it out.
2. One-handed balance

Essential for giving hand signals when turning. Practise riding while holding the handlebars with one hand.

"High Five" game: Ride and give a "high five" to a passer-by (a parent) without stopping.
3. Riding in a straight line

If a child wobbles, a car can't safely pass them.

"Tightrope Walk" game: Draw a line. The child rides along it for 20 m.
4. Emergency braking

Reacting to sudden danger (a car, a dog).

"Red Light" game: On the command "STOP!", come to a halt on the spot without skidding.

6. The Parent's Role: "Wingman"

Child in FRONT, Parent BEHIND.

This is the best formation for kids bike safety. The parent can see the child, can guide them by voice ("Stop!", "Right!") and uses their own bike as a "shield" against cars approaching from behind.

7. Communication (Signals)

A child must learn three basic hand signals:

  • Left: Left arm extended straight out.
  • Right: Right arm extended straight out.
  • Stop: Arm raised up, palm open.

Checklist for parents:

Is the helmet snug (no wobbling)?
Does the bike have working lights and a bell?
Are the tyres pumped up?
SHOELACES! Are they tucked into the shoes?

Pro Tips for Parents

  • Never with headphones: Hearing is a second pair of eyes. A child must be able to hear a car.
  • Lead by example: If you don't wear a helmet, neither will your child. If you run a red light, your child will think it's fine.
  • Nutrition: Don't ride hungry. A drop in blood sugar makes children lose focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can a child ride on the road alone?
Under Bosnia and Herzegovina law, only from the age of 12. Until then, they must be accompanied by a person older than 16 (if they are 9+) or ride in enclosed zones.
How can we improve road safety for children on bikes?
The best way to improve kids bike safety is through education, wearing fluorescent gear and a helmet, and practising predictable riding on a skills course.
Back to the School Enrol your child