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
- Seat
- Seatpost
- Reflector (rear)
- Fender
- Rear Brakes
- Cog Set
- Reflector
- Spokes
- Rear Derailleur
- Rim
- Tire
- Chain
- Bottom Bracket
- Pedal
- Reflector
- Valve
- Hub
- Fork
- Brake Pads
- Front Brakes
- Fender
- Handset
- Brake Levers
- Shifters
- Bell
- Handlebars
- Front Light
- Stem
- Top Tube
- Seat Tube
- Downtube
- Chain Rings
- 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