A Safety Checklist You Can Use Before Riding Your Bike

Going on a bicycling trip is a great way to get outdoors and exercise. However, you must be aware of the risks. Falls, flats, and roadside injuries can be especially dangerous if you’re unprepared. It’s easy to forget things if you don’t follow a reliable process. Here’s a safety checklist you can use before riding your bike.

Wear Protective Equipment

While biking is a lot of fun, it’s also dangerous and can result in accidents and injuries. Wearing safety equipment can make a huge difference if you get into a bad accident. You can patch up scrapes, cuts, and bruises, but head injuries are the real threats.

A helmet is adequate to protect you in most accidents. It protects your head from impact, limiting the trauma your head or brain may sustain in an accident. If you’re biking at night, reflectors and bright clothing will improve your visibility and help others see you on the road.

Check Your Tire Pressure

After gathering your safety equipment, ensure your bicycle is ready for the road. First, check that the tires are inflated to the PSI listed on the tire or in your owner’s manual. Avoid over or under-inflating the tires. Too much pressure can result in a blowout, while too little can make the bike more challenging to get rolling.

You’ll need a pump that fits your bike’s tire valve. Lock the pump in place before adding air to your tires. If you’re looking for a quick way to ensure your bike tires are properly inflated, you should learn the feel of your tires at the recommended pressure so you can inflate them when necessary.

Tighten Essential Components

Bicycles have many moving parts you must secure for safe riding. Fasten the handlebars, chain, and tires before riding your bike; otherwise, they could come loose and result in an accident.

Inspect your bike and secure loose components before your ride to prevent accidents on the road. Keep in mind that if you tighten the parts too much, you risk torquing and stripping the component.

Go Over These Steps Each Time Before Riding Your Bike

Bicycles are excellent modes of transportation, but you must be prepared for the hazards of the road to stay safe during your trip. Missing a step could put you at risk, but using this safety checklist before riding your bike will help you cover all your bases.