Article written by Libby Hawkins, Access Sport

Safety for young riders is at the heart of the work we do, and a personal mission of mine. I’m surprised I don’t say ’helmet’ or ’bar ends’ in my sleep…

But what are bar ends, you may ask? And where does the danger lie in not having them?

Bar ends are the little bit of rubber or plastic that go on the end of the handlebar grip. The bar ends ensure the handlebar grips stay on and that the mental of the handlebar is not exposed. Without bar ends, riders and others around them are left at risk of serious injury.

A recent accident involving an 8 year old boy highlights the importance of this small bit of safety kit.
BMX Track Accident Leaves Boy in Hospital

Although this article states it was a freak accident, we are hearing more and more of these stories.

So, how can you do your part to ensure this doesn’t happen to the riders you encounter at your clubs and sessions? Here are a few simple suggestions to help you educate, raise awareness and ensure your riders are safe: 

Check and be vocal

Check before you give a bike out but also talk the rider through the checks you do. Those quick checks can be carried out alongside your normal bike check; brakes, tyres, headset, chain and, are the bar ends there? Is there metal exposed on either end of the handlebars? If there is, then new bar ends must be put in before the bike is used!

Educate the riders and parents

Why not share this article with others at your club? Make it a regular conversation in your sessions by asking when they sign in - have they checked their bar ends? Incorporate it into a coaching session, perhaps creating a safety leaflet for your riders to walk them through all the safety checks they should be doing.

All these things will help people retain and engrain safety into their riding routine.

Spare bar ends

It’s always good to have a stock of bar ends in your club house or club toolbox. You could also have them available for riders to purchase for their own bikes. You don’t have to have a new complete set of handle grips and bar ends if the grips are fully intact.

We’ve partnered with our friends at Urbanair to offer clubs in the Inclusive Club Network a great deal on bar ends.

You can get 60 bar ends for just £25! Click the link below to get this deal.

Get Your Bar Ends>

We hope sharing this simple but vital information with you all, will bring more awareness and safer riding across the UK!