As families prepare for another school year, Ontario Provincial Police are reminding parents that backpacks, lunches and school supplies are not the only things worth checking before children head out the door.
For students who bike, scooter or skateboard to school, the return to class is also a good time to reinforce safe riding habits.
OPP Sgt. Erin Cranton says the right equipment can make an enormous difference when something goes wrong.
Ontario law requires cyclists under 18 to wear an approved bicycle helmet. When a cyclist is under 16, their parent or guardian is responsible for making sure they wear one.
Cranton says adults can also help by setting a good example and wearing helmets themselves.
OPP officers also use positive tickets to recognize young riders they see wearing helmets.
Police say making helmets an automatic part of the school-day routine can help young riders start the year safely.
