Bike Safety                                      208-327-5555

Before you go, be prepared and ready!

Together with adults, kids can help check out the stuff below on their bikes-making sure everyone will have a fun and safe cycling adventure!

• Tires for wear (are there cuts or threads showing on treads or sidewalls?).

• Tires for proper air pressure.

• Brakes to insure they are functional and not excessively worn.

        Do they rub against the tire or rim?

• Wheels for wobble, are they properly secured and true?

• Chain-is it clean and properly lubricated?
  
  

Proper Care

Your bike is a marvelous machine withstanding the test of time,  demonstrated by the same basic design from 1890s.  However, like most machines; "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

If you want to keep you bikes in good condition, you've got to do it through proper care and maintenance.  Most experts recommend a tune up or routine preventative maintenance once a year depending on riding habits and conditions.

An experienced mechanic can diagnose problems and solve them most of the time with adjustments or minor repairs. 

In addition, a tune up usually includes setting most systems to the manufacture's specifications, insuring a fun and enjoyable cycling adventure for the season.

Safety...............think, think, think

HEAD GEAR (Helmets)

A properly fitted bicycle helmet is vital for comfort and protection and everyone should wear one.  Generally speaking the helmet should not move when secured.  Please consult the specific instructions from your helmet manufacturer.  Remember, if and when you should need your helmet--you want it to stay put.

Kids learn by example, so adults should always model good behavior by using your helmet.

BORN TO RIDE (Pace)

Kids are all different and they ride at various speeds.  Most require more frequent rest stops and some time to play along the way.

When riding with kids adjust the pace of the group to the slowest rider and remember to bring lots of water on hot days.

When cycling with children be careful not to overdue it.  Shorter trips, especially at first, will insure  that no one gets overly tired.

Let the kids choose the snacks and fill up the water bottles for everyone.  Make sure all adults and kids have a water bottle.

RIDE ON

Wear bright reflective clothing.  Recommended for everyone cycling, even in daylight.

Ride single file on roadways with the flow of traffic.

Position younger riders in the middle of the group.  

Be alert for the unexpected and obey traffic signals, road signs and any other laws.

Use crosswalks and bike lanes.

Demonstrate proper hand signals for braking and turning and teach your kids to use them also.

While using  the Green Belt it is common practice to pass on the left and announce, "Passing on your left."  Give a wide berth to others and slow down as you approach.

Ride defensively and use utmost care on busy roadways,

remembering to wear your high visibility clothing.

SADDLE UP  (Helpful items)

Items such as bells, horns, and rear view mirrors can add safety to your cycling experience.

A comfortable and secure seat is well worth the time and effort.  Just ask anyone who has ridden on a seat that has left them very "aware" the next day.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN  (Tools)

Consider bringing along a small tool set in a saddle bag which may include:

Tire pump

Spare tube

Tire patch kit

Multi-tool with Allen wrenches and Phillips screwdriver

Tire irons and wrench for your specific wheels

Chain tool

Any other special tools your bike requires

REFLECTIONS  (Reflectors)

Every new and used bike should have the following reflectors as a minimum, inspect them routinely to insure they are present and secure:

One (white) on front

One (red) on back

One (white) on each wheel

One (yellow) on each pedal