No helmets on bicycles at school, AIBU to complain?

[shipperssss]

My DD and DS are categorically not allowed on anything with wheels without a helmet. They know they aren't even allowed to mess on their bikes/scooters without one on.

My current issue is the fact that their school has bikes/trikes and scooters for open use in the yard. Obviously there are no helmets provided.

WIBU to either ask that my children don't use them (there isn't enough staff to enforce this though) or suggest that they aren't safe and should be removed? Can I request to see the risk assessment for them?

Thanks.

Nurseries have never had kids wear helmets for rekindling around in their outdoor areas. Yabu.

As pp my 2 year old doesn't wear a helmet at nursery when on the scuttle bugs etc.
It would be sad for your kids to be watching everyone on them and them just sitting there. Also think it's abit much to ask to remove and risk assessment.
How old are your kids?

I think that would be a bit OTT. After all, there is probably other play equipment (eg a climbing frame) that the kids are more likely to fall off and hit their heads. Are you suggesting the kids should have to wear a helmet to play on that kind of thing?

Your DC should be able to understand that your rules apply to their bikes at home.

YABU. I can't imagine that much damage will could be done in this scenario.

It would be so sad for them to be excluded from something fun that all their friends are doing, and even worse if you tried to spoil it for all the kids.

5 and 3. I know I really struggle with anxiety, especially around them being hurt, hence asking if I was being unreasonable.

I know I'll get some nasty replies but thankyou for being kind so far.

It would be way ott to ask for a risk assessment. They will be fine

YANBU, my DC's nursery absolutely wouldn't allow them on bikes and scooters without helmets. Scuttlebugs for younger DC, little tikes cars etc yes but not the faster stuff.

My DD1 went through a very clumsy phase to the extent they'd get her to go on a bike or scooter first and then hope she'd keep the helmet on for running around.

They’re not really going to be going at a speed significant enough for there to be a real risk of head injury……yes freak accidents can occur but the risk is surely the same as if they were running and fell? No danger of collision with a car. I don’t think they need a helmet.

My kids' school has trikes and what not but they are in no way very fast and it's a small space

When we go on proper bicycles in the park, they can get faster, go on ramps.... it's different

I do agree that there is more dangerous equipment in the playground and that your children will be very sad not to play like everybody else

one of the main reasons for bike helmets is that if you get hit by a car, you will then fly off the bike & fall further. A fall from bike-height with no car involved is less dangerous.

so for the bikes & trikes, I'm not bothered.

For scooters, even a small stone / step in front of the wheels can make the scooter rapidly tip forward so the child's face & forehead hit the ground fast. so I'd actually be much fussier about wanting kids on a scooter to have a helmet on, OR for the play area to be 100% flat & free from steps / stones / sticks etc.

Yabu. Fine when you’re out and about going at speed and near roads. Bikes and trikes in a bit of playground is no issue

In a small nursery yard I wouldn't worry. Trikes have 3 wheels and it's almost impossible to fall off going at that speed. And I am very pro helmet. If they were taking them out to the park on them that would be different of course.

You seriously need to relax. Not allowed on a scooter without a helmet is really too much. They can't even pick up any speed in a little yard and even out in the open, you don't need a helmet on a tricycle.

Plus they're getting on a land off presumably. They will be fine.

How fast are your kids going?

Are they going on the road?

Are they doing tricks?

If they are going slowly, are on the pavement/in a playground and/or aren't doing tricks there is no need for them to wear helmets.

Hi OP
It is horrible when you are an anxious person. I’m one too and telling me not to worry doesn’t help. Thinks play on my mind. So I sympathise with you , these are your babies and you want them to be safe.
It is not unreasonable to ask to see the risk assessment for outside play , it may even be on the school website if you search. Maybe word it carefully as they will think you are that parent .
But breaking it down :
Bicycle helmets protect against head injuries- which can occur with traffic injuries- not applicable as school playground.
Falling off at speed - again not really going to happen - school playground and number of children , plus teacher supervision will prevent high speeds.
Cycle helmets can be dangerous if not fitted correctly and used for wrong type of play . Unfortunately a little girl died when her cycle helmet got caught on a tree last year.
You could contact Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents and ask them about school equipment. Maybe they can reassure you.

one of the main reasons for bike helmets is that if you get hit by a car, you will then fly off the bike & fall further. A fall from bike-height with no car involved is less dangerous.

Not actually true otherwise those who do tricks e.g. bmx or cycle for speed on traffic free roads in events wouldn't wear helmets.