How to get your bicycle ready with this safety printable checklist.

It is finally warmer outside, and I am so excited to get my bike out of the dark basement and onto the big road. But wait, I might be ready to go, but my best friend’s bicycle doesn’t seem up to the part. The tires are flat, the seat doesn’t seem right, and don’t let me get started on the dust. That is not the way to open the season! So now what? Well, I say that it is time to go over our bicycle safety checklist before we try and go anywhere.

Well, the first thing is first. It’s time to get our bikes ready to hit the road this season. It would help if you did several things to ensure that your bike is road-ready and safe for you to take out riding. Let’s discuss what we need to get our bikes ready for another great season of riding.

BICYCLE SAFETY CHECKLIST

Sure, bikes get dusty and the seat and tires are seemingly not what they were when you parked it, but it’s more than just appearance and comfort. These factors can all affect your bike’s performance, which could affect your safety. This bike safety checklist will help you make sure that your bike will be safe to take out on the road after sitting in storage for months.

STEP 1: CLEAN

Clean bike lives longer, and so do its parts. Set some time aside for a detail clean – it might take a while: use an old toothbrush, a towel, and a basic cleaner. Go over all the metal parts, pedals, brakes, and a seat with as little water as possible. Remove the seat post, clean it, and put a small amount of bicycle grease before you attach it back.

STEP 2: CHECK YOUR BRAKES

Like with all other moving things, the breaks are crucial, and just like the car brakes, they wear out from time to time. Look at the brake pads with a flashlight and replace them if they show signs of excessive wear. Also, squeeze the brake lever on your handlebars and make sure that the brake pads hit the rim. You might need to adjust the brakes if they don’t. 

STEP 3: CHECK YOUR WHEELS

The Wheels keep you stable – give them some love! Clean the wheels with rubbing alcohol and a clean, dry cloth and check them for any damage. Spin the wheel in the air and see if it goes smoothly without wobbling. Damaged wheels will shorten the lifespan of other bike parts. If the damage is excessive – replace the tires and if the rim is wobbly, take it to a bike shop to fix it.

STEP 4: CHECK THE TIRES

Check your tires for splits, cracks, or tears, and pay close attention to the parts that touch the ground and excessive wear. Riding with damage can be dangerous. 

STEP 5: Cables

Check the cables that connect the shifters and brakes on the handlebars to the derailleur and brake pads. If you see the damage, rust, or cracks, have them replaced at the shop.   

STEP 6: LUBRICANT

Proper lubrication helps efficiency and extends the lifespan of your parts. Apply lubricant evenly to the chain while slowly rotating the pedals in a counterclockwise direction. Also, apply it to any moving parts and any exposed cable wire. Wipe off excess oil with a clean towel.

Once you complete your bicycle safety checklist, you’ll know that your bike will be ready to hit the road safely and comfortably.

Bicycle Safety Checklist Rules

Once your bike is ready to go and you are back on the road, follow these bike safety rules to keep yourself safe out there!

• Be sure that your bicycle is sized appropriately for you
• Wear a helmet
• Wear bright, neon or fluorescent colors to ensure that others on the road can see you
• Keep an eye out for road hazards

GET YOUR BIKE FIX AND LET’S HAVE SOME FUN THIS SUMMER!

Download this Bicycle Safety Checklist printable to keep your checklist handy – click and print

Want to know more about Bicycle Safety? Check out our Bike Safety E-Book!

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