Get Your Bike in Shape!

Riding a bike around is fun, but it can be dangerous too. Smart riders avoid accidents by always obeying the rules of the road and by keeping their bikes in good condition.

Make sure your bike frame is the right size for you. Then the saddle or seat should be positioned so that your leg is fully extended when one crank is at its lowest point with your foot on the pedal. Periodically you should check your bike’s parts and equipment and lubricate when necessary to keep it running properly.

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DATE
handlebars and grips
saddle (seat)
wheels
reflectors
brakes
chain
pedals
crank or hanger
bell or horn
sprockets
fork
lights
spokes
tires
valve stems and cores
mirror
cones and bearings
derailleur (10-speed)

Rules of the Road to Remember

1. Use bike lanes whenever possible, and avoid busy streets.

2. Keep your bicycle under control—no tricky steering or weaving. Race only on closed racecourses.

3. Stay on the right side of the street close to the curb. Move with the traffic and watch for parked cars turning into traffic or car doors being opened suddenly.

4. Travel in single file when riding with others. Follow at least a full bike’s length behind.

5. Steer with both hands on the handle grips except to signal when turning, stopping, or leaving the curb.

6. Ride alone and without big bundles. Another person or a large package can block your vision and throw you off balance.

7. Come to a dead stop at all stop signs, yield signs (if necessary), and red or amber traffic lights.

8. Stop, look, and listen before entering a street from a sidewalk, driveway, or alley. Drivers may not see you.

9. Hitching onto moving vehicles is against the law.

10. If you must ride at night, wear something white and turn on your lights.

11. Be ready to put on the brakes at intersections—no pedal pumping as you approach. Get off and walk your bike across busy streets between the lines of the crosswalk.

12. Let pedestrians and other vehicles go first when they move to cross in front of you.

Illustrated by Dale Kilbourn