Selecting the Bicycle

• If you are buying a bicycle for a child, choose one to fit the child's size today. Do not choose one he will "grow into" later.
• A bicycle should suit the rider's ability and kind of riding.
• Check hand and foot brakes for fast, easy stops without instability or jamming.
• Avoid slippery plastic pedals. Look instead for rubber-treated pedals, or metal pedals with serrated rat-trap edges or with firmly attached toe clips.
• Make sure the bike fits your body. Ask for professional help if you are not sure how to choose the proper size and type of a bike.

Using the Bicycle

• Always wear a helmet to help prevent head injuries.
• Observe all traffic laws and signals, just as if you were driving a car.
• Do not attempt stunts.
• Learn about the specific laws for bicyclists in your state. In the United States, bicycles are considered vehicles and have all the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists.
• Find alternate routes, rather than ride through busy intersections and heavy or high-speed traffic. Especially, avoid roads with high truck traffic.
• Avoid riding in wet weather. When wet, hand brakes may require a long distance to stop.
• Avoid riding in the dark. If you do, be sure the bike is equipped with a headlight, a taillight, and reflectors. Apply retro-reflective trim to clothing or wear reflective vests and jackets.
• Avoid loose clothing or long coats that can catch in pedals or wheels. Use leg clips or bands to keep pant legs from tangling in the chain.
• Avoid crossing raised sewer grates.
• Dress appropriately for the weather.
• Avoid eating large meals prior to biking. Have a high-calorie snack with you, especially when planning long rides, to prevent hypoglycemia.
• Always have a bottle of water with you.
• Carry a cell phone with you. You never know when you may need it.
• Have some basic bike repair tools with you.

Maintaining the Bicycle

• Regular maintenance is essential for safe riding. Refer to the owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations. Have an experienced repair technician do complicated work.
• Align (or "true") wobbly wheels for better control. Spokes also may need adjustment.
• Replace all missing, damaged, or worn parts. Examples include: brake pads, chain guards, chain links, spokes, screws, bolts, and handlebar grips.
• Tighten and/or adjust loose parts.
• Before each ride, inspect breaks, tires, frame, fork, spindles, and other components for cracking.
• Parts should be adjusted to manufacturer's torque specifications.
• Inflate tires to recommended pressure, and replace worn tires.
• Lightly oil and clean moving parts. Keep oil off rubber.
• Keep your bicycle indoors when not in use. Moisture may cause rust and weaken metal parts.

RESOURCES

Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/

League of American Bicyclists http://www.bikeleague.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canada's Safety Council http://www.safety-council.org/

Recreational Safety Government of Canada http://www.safecanada.ca

References

Bicycles. US Consumer Product Safety Commission website. Available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/bicycle.pdf. Accessed June 28, 2012.

Head injuries and bicycle safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/ToolsTemplates/EntertainmentEd/Tips/HeadInjuries.html. Updated February 8, 2011. Accessed June 28, 2012.

State Bike Laws Center. League of American Bicyclists. Available at: http://www.bikeleague.org/action/bikelaws/state%5Flaws.php. Accessed June 28, 2012.

Revision Information

• Reviewer: Brian P. Randall, MD
• Review Date: 06/2012 -