Texting while riding is putting many young cyclists at risk, according to a survey.
As many as 40 per cent of children aged under 16 use phones and mp3s when riding their bikes despite acknowledging the danger such actions pose, the survey by solicitors Bolt Burdon Kemp found.
Nearly a fifth of the 1,000 children surveyed, aged eight to 16, had had an accident or near-miss after being distracted while cycling. The poll showed that music, texting and making calls were the most popular uses of devices while cycling.
The survey also revealed that children were more likely to use phones and music players while cycling the older they got, with 44 per cent of 11-13 year olds and 60 per cent of 14-16 year olds doing so. The problem is starting at an even younger age however, with 14 per cent of eight to ten year olds doing it.