Children are injured and even killed, by the handlebars of their own bikes if they do not have handlebar plugs fitted. Sign this petition to help the creator campaign for handlebar plugs to be fitted to all children's bikes sold in the UK.

• Rose launch a new gravel, cross and adventure bike
• 11 of the worlds toughest MTB and gravel races

The petition reads that bicycle handlebar trauma has been well documented in children as the handlebar of a typical child's bicycle without handlebar plugs acts as a sharp spear, concentrating what may be a relatively small amount of energy into a focal point of injury. Spleen, liver, pancreatic lacerations and renal injuries are the most commonly traumatized sites. Other reported injuries are traumatic abdominal wall hernias and ruptures, aortic rupture, transection of the common bile duct, traumatic arterial occlusion, and groin injuries 

Our sister site road.cc reported recently on a harrowing situation involving a child's death. The father then advised parents to examine their children’s bikes after his six-year-old son lost his life following a freak accident which saw him impaled by the end of his handlebars.

The bicycle without bar end plugs involved in an accident in the US. 

The petition reports that these deaths are preventable and that the creator, Ellis Blackman, would like to update British Standards. Initially through an immediate voluntary action and then into BS EN 16054 (BMX) & BS EN ISO 8098 (children). At the time of writing the petition has received 386 signatures and needs 10,000 to cause the government to respond.

Sign the petition here

Whilst on the subject it got us thinking about a few things that should be checked on every bike, adults or child's, prior to each ride to avoid similar situations: 

1. Perform a bike 'M check' before every ride - the Sustrans website has a good guide here. This is a great habit for kids to get into and good for them to learn to do it on their own.

2. Check bar end plugs are installed and not loose or damaged

3. Ensure seat bolt clamps are in good working order and secure. 

4. Check saddle rails and rail clamp is in good condition and bolts are done up correctly to avoid saddle moving, being damaged or coming loose.

5. Check clamps on carbon parts of the bike (handlebars) are done up to the correct Nm given to prevent over-tightening and damage.

6. Wear good safety gear including helmet, gloves and no loose or baggy clothing. 
 

You might also like: 

• Buyer's guide to MTB pedals
• First ride: Bombtrack Hook ADV
• 11 things you should do as soon as you get a new bike