6 Steps to Safety Check

1. Make sure your bike is the proper size. A bike that is too big or too small will be hard to control. When you’re standing on the ground you should have a 1-3 inch gap between you and the top bar.  You’ll need more room if you’re riding a mountain bike.

2. Check to see if your bike seat is adjusted to the proper height. When you’re sitting on the seat with your foot on the pedal, your leg should be slightly bent.  This will help avoid knee strain.

3. Make sure you have a reflector on the front and rear of your bike. The rear should be red and should be at least three inches across.  Make sure the reflector is pointed straight back to reflect the headlights of cars that are coming up behind you.

4. Check the bike’s chain to make sure it’s clean and lubricated. If it’s not, take it to the local bike shop for a check up.

5. Check your brakes for even pressure. They should make your back wheels skid on dry pavement, but you don’t want brakes that stick. Yikes!

6. Make sure your tires are properly inflated.

Good going!  We’ve checked our bikes and made sure they’re in top shape.  Let’s head to our next station where we’ll find out about bike helmets and why it’s important to wear them.  Did you know that 3 out of 4 bike crashes result in some kind of head injury??? Pedal on over to Helmet Junction to find out more.