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Bicycle checks

Is your bicycle road safe? Get into the habit of checking your bicycle on a regular basis to make sure it is safe to ride.

Brakes

  • Make sure the front and rear brakes are in full working order.
  • Always check them individually.
  • The brake blocks should grip the rim when the brake is applied and should not touch the rim when released.

Lights and reflectors

  • Use front and rear lights and reflectors after sunset, before sunrise and in poor visibility.
  • Check they are working correctly and keep them clean.

Tyres

  • Examine the tyres for wear and make sure they have sufficient tread and make sure there are no bold patches.
  • Check they are correctly inflated.

Wheels

  • Check wheels are not bent or buckled.
  • Check the wheel nuts are tight.

Spokes

  • Check they are tight, replace any missing ones.

Steering

  • Check handlebars are in line with the front wheel and are not loose, especially if you have transported your bicycle in a vehicle.
  • Check the handlebars are tight by standing astride the front wheel and trying to turn the handlebars.

Saddle

  • Must be at the correct height, you should be able to place both the balls of your feet on the ground.
  • Check that the saddle does not move up / down or left / right.

Chain

  • Make sure it is oiled, that it is moving freely and that the tension is correct so that it will not come off in use.

Gears

  • Where gears are fitted please ensure they are correctly adjusted so that the chain does not come off when changing gear.

Pedals

  • Check they spin freely, the shaft connecting both pedals through frame is tight.

Bell

  • If you do not have a bell it is a good idea to have one fitted, even though this is not required by Law.