The Bicycle and You

BICYCLING is a fun and healthy exercise. Before riding on to the road, take time to learn the rules. Many bicyclists are injured seriously in accidents because they are less protected than drivers of cars and other vehicles. Remember, you also need to practise safe riding skills.

Some safe riding hints

  • Wear a bike helmet at all times. The most serious bike injuries are to the head

  • Keep your bike in good shape

  • Always let cars and people go first

  • Slow down and check traffic at corners

  • Keep both hands on the handle bars, except when giving turn signals

  • Walk your bicycle across busy streets at designated crosswalks or pedestrian-friendly intersections

  • Try to stay off busy streets as far as possible. If you have no option but to ride your bicycle in busy areas keep as far to the left of the road as possible or use designated bicycle lanes if they are available
Why you need a helmet

  • Bicycle helmets are an essential element to bicycle safety

  • Always strap on an approved safety helmet before you ride

  • Helmets are an important safety device to protect your head and brain from injury. If you don’t have a helmet, ask your parents to buy you one

Check your bicycle for defects

You should regularly check your bicycle to ensure that it is in optimal working order.

  • Chain: It should be neither too tight nor too slack. Allow three centimetres play. Replace worn or damaged links. Each link pin and its roller requires a drop of oil to keep the chain working smoothly
  • Spokes: They must be at the correct tension and perfectly straight as they hold the wheel rim in place and in shape. Loose spokes can be tightened, but those damaged must be replaced
  • Rims: They must not be dented or buckled if the brakes are to work efficiently
  • Saddle: It should be firmly attached and adjusted to the correct height – slightly lower than the handlebars
  • Oiling: Oil moving parts regularly, at least once a month if you use it every day. Make sure that you use the correct oil
  • Tyres: They should be fully inflated. Examine the treads once a month. Smooth tyres can cause you to skid. Remove stones and any other objects that may be stuck in the treads
  • Warning bell: It must be one that works
  • Lights and reflectors: The bicycle must be equipped with a lamp emitting a bright white light. But remember, cycling at night can be hazardous. It is best to avoid it. At the back, a red reflector should be fitted on a mudguard painted white. In front, the bicycle must be fitted with a white reflector. Alternatively, use luminous red and white tape
  • Brakes: Ensure that they are working well
What parents need to know
  • Don’t buy your children bicycles to "grow into". If the bicycle is not the right size for your child, it is dangerous to ride it
  • Supervise your children when they ride their bicycles
  • Encourage them to wear their helmets at all times when riding. Make it a rule - no helmet, no riding of their bicycle
  • Discourage your child from doing stunts and other dangerous activities when riding

 

Related Topic

Causes of bicycle accidents and prevention

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