Pre-ride safety check

Bike check (PDF, 102 Kb)
(Also, see our helmet check info sheet)

This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License You may distribute the work, but may not alter it—logos and CCE contact information may not be omitted. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.thecce.org/copyright.

An important part of safe cycling is knowing how to ensure that the equipment you use (or that your child uses) is well-suited and in proper working order.

We've prepared a fact sheet (linked below) to help you check your bike to ensure it is in proper working order, or to help children with doing the same for theirs.

But it's just a bike!

Many people stop cycling (or find it difficult to start) because of bikes that are too large, too small, or that work poorly—sloppy or inoperative shifting, poor braking (or missing brake cables) and other factors.

It’s important to not buy a bike to 'grow into', or to use a bike that is in poor working order (perhaps planning to get a better bike later). Doing so can discourage a rider and pose a very real safety risk to the cyclist and to others. Bicycles are vehicles that must work properly, and they must be properly maintained.

Investing in, and maintaining, the right bike can lead to a lifetime of healthy and enjoyable cycling.

Need assistance with any information in the fact sheet? Ask staff at your local bike shop for tips, or sign up for one of our cycling courses.

This information is available in PDF format. Please feel free to distribute this document as you please, provided that it is reproduced in its entirety—logos and CCE contact information may not be omitted. The materials are © 2008, The Center for Cycling Education.

Enjoy the ride!

Bike check (PDF, 85 Kb)
(Also, see our helmet check info sheet)