BICYCLE BASICS & HELMET SAFETY

Cycling with a tuned-up bicycle and wearing a properly fitted helmet is key to having a safe and enjoyable bike ride. Learn more about the basic bicycle parts, the ABC's of bike maintenance and helmets

Bicycle Parts

 

 

1. Seat                    
2. Seatpost
3. Reflector (rear)
4. Fender
5. Rear Brakes
6. Cog Set
7. Reflector
8. Spokes
9. Rear Derailleur
10. Rim
11. Tire
12. Chain
13. Bottom Bracket
14. Pedal
15. Reflector
16. Valve
17. Hub
18. Fork
19. Brake Pads
20. Front Brakes
21. Fender
22. Handset
23. Brake Levers
24. Shifters
25. Bell
26. Handlebars
27. Front Light
28. Stem
29. Top Tube
30. Seat Tube
31. Downtube
32. Chain Rings
33. Crank Arm
     

It is required by law that your bicycle is equipped with:

• Bell or horn in good working order
• A front/rear light or reflector if you ride between half and hour before sunset and half an hour after sunrise
• Reflective tape on the front and rear forks

Consider these optional equipment:

• Safety flag(s) to increase visibility
• Rear view mirror
• Reflective clothing
• Basket to keep hands free for steering

 

Bicycle Maintenance and Care

 

The ABC's of bicycle maintenance and care

 

A is for air

• Inflate tires to the rated pressure as indicated on the sidewall of the tire
• Bicycle tires need to be re-inflated more often than car tires
• Check for damage to tire tread and sidewall; replace tire if worn

B is for Brakes, Bar & Bell

• Rotate wheels to check that nothing is rubbing
• Inspect brake pads; replace if there is less than 6mm of pad left
• Check adjustments of brake levers; when applied, there should be at least 25mm between each lever and the handlebar

C is for Chain and Crank

• Chain should be clean, lubricated and quiet
• If chain skips while riding, a new chain, a new cassette or an adjustment may be needed
• Make sure crank bolts are tight

Carry a small bicycle repair kit handy in case of emergency.

The repair kit is recommended to include:
 

• Bicycle tire pump
• Puncture repair kit
• Lightweight wrenches
• Plastic tape
• Tire levelers/irons
• Hex keys
• Spare bicycle inner tubs
• Snap-on chain length

Helmets

By law, cyclists under 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet.

Helmets are not required for adults over 18; but a helmet is strongly recommended for all riders to greatly reduce risk of permanent injury or death in the event of a fall or collision.

Follow the 2-V-1 RULE to Make Sure Helmet Fits Properly