Bicycle Safety Check List

The picture below shows a bicycle with all of the safety features fitted.

The bicycle checklist below is something that you should become very familiar with.

The safety aspect of checking your bicycle over, cannot be emphasised enough. A thorough check over your bicycle is need before each outing, not noticing anyone of the items mentioned below could result in an accident or spoil you enjoyment of going out for a bicycle ride.

Brakes

• There should be a brake to each wheel of the bicycle which of course should work effectively.
• Cables should not be frayed and the brake blocks should be secure, in line with the rim and correctly adjusted so that there is a gap of about 3mm (the thickness of a 1p piece) between the brake block and the wheel.

Tyres

• Tyres must be checked before each ride.
• They should be correctly inflated (hard) and have a least a visible tread with no bald patches.
• Make sure that the valves point towards the centre of the wheel and have dust caps fitted. The back tyre will wear more quickly that the front tyre due to carrying most of the weight.

Reflectors

A bike must have a clean red reflector. If front, pedal or wheel reflectors are fitted they should also be kept clean and in good working order.

• White reflector at the front
• Orange pedal reflectors
• Red reflector at the rear
• Orange/White wheel reflectors.

Lights

When lights are fitted they must be in fully working order and securely fitted. A white light is to be fitted to the front and a steady red light is to be secured to the rear of the bicycle.

Saddle

The saddle must be fastened securely to the bike and must always be horizontal. If you need to adjust the height of your saddle there may be a line to show the maximum level – it is dangerous to go past this mark.

Handlebars

• These should always be at 90 degrees to the front wheel.
• They must always be secure, with grips or suitable tape covering the ends.
• Handlebars should be at the same height as the saddle.
• This is the first part of the bicycle to suffer from stress, usually the first component is the head bolt (where the steering column is inserted into the frame of the bicycle). This bolt is loosened by constant jarring, but its tightness can be checked by standing with the front wheel firmly between the legs while facing the saddle and turning the handlebars against the pressure from your legs.
• If the handlebars turn easily, independently from the wheel, the bolt needs tightening.

Pedals and Crank

• These must always be secure and not bent or twisted in anyway.
• Pedals should rotate freely and be fitted with orange reflectors.
• If toe clips are fitted ensure that they are securely attached and that the riders foot slides in and out un-obstructed.

Chain

• The chain should be lubricated, but not dripping with oil! A well maintained, and lubricated chain makes for easier cycling.
• Unless the bicycle has derailleur gears the amount of “up” and “down” movement should not exceed 2cm.
• Chains should always be adjusted by loosing and pulling back the rear wheel and when it is correctly positioned, re-tightening and securing the wheel nuts.
• Derailleur chain systems are designed to keep the chain correctly adjusted.

Gears

• If your bike is fitted with gears they should be correctly adjusted and not “slip” or “jump”.
• Check that the gear levers are secure and that the cables are not damaged in anyway.
• Derailleur gears are designed in such a way that the chain tension is maintained; make sure that the gear mechanism is clean and free from dirt.

Frame and Forks

• Make sure that the frame and forms are not bent or twisted, they can get damaged in falls ad collisions.
• Check for any cracks that might have appeared, if you do notice any then do not ride the bicycle and contact your nearest bicycle shop who will check the bicycle over for you.

Wheels

• Make sure these rotate freely, that the spokes are not bent, loose or missing.
• Buckled wheels are caused by riding on under inflated tyres and/or riding up and down kerbs. Buckled rims seriously affect the efficiency of the brakes and could cause damage to the brakes themselves.
• This problem can have a very serious effect on your cycling stability.

Mudguards

If fitted to your bike they must be securely attached and free from any damage.

Bike Size

• Make sure that the bike you have is the correct size for you.
• When you sit on the saddle the front part of your feet should touch the ground
• When you are issues with the bicycle please ensure that you feel comfortable and have a relaxed position on the bicycle.

Bicycle Lock

Whenever you leave your bicycle ensure that it is locked. It only takes a few minutes to fit the lock.

If you have any doubts about abything on your bicycle take the safety option and do not ride it. Contact your nearest bicycle shop to arrange for them to repair any problems with your bike.

Maintenance – daily checks

• Check that the lights are working on a daily basis.
• Ensure that both lights and reflectors are kept clean at all times.
• Ensure that brakes are operating correctly.
• Check the tyre pressure and check for any cracks or damage. Tyre pressure should be 50-75 Psi (Pounds per square inch).

Cleaning – at least once per week

• The bicycle should be washed all over with hot soapy water. Car shampoo is best as washing up liquid contains high level of salt).
• Rinse off with clean water, it is advisable not to use a jet wash as they can force dirt and grit into moving parts of the bicycle.
• All accessible moving parts given a drop of light oil, eg. 3 in 1.

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