CAN-BIKE
Safety Tips
CAN-BIKE TIP
#2
Warm up the bike
before every ride
Bikes
are fairly easy to maintain but still require your attention to
ensure a safe journey. Tires release air, chains need oil, bells
and brakes need to work, and handlebars need tightening. The basics!
The ABC
Quick Check is an easy way to remember what parts of the bike
need your TLC before every ride. It takes less than a minute.
A
– is for air. Check everything to do with your tires and
wheels and air pressure. The valve must be straight out of the rim,
not at an angle.
B
– is for brakes, bars and bell. The brake pads must be
straight and grip the rim effectively. The handle bars must be straight
and tight. The bell must work.
C
– is for chain & crank. Chains need to be lubricated
& the pedals (cranks) need to spin freely.
Quick
– is for quick release. Levers must be installed correctly
and tight.
Throw
in a ‘D’ for Drop: lift the bike a few inches from
the ground and drop it. If something falls off…you might need
more than a minute. Try your breaks as you ride off.
If your
bike passes the ABC Quick Check, get riding. If something
doesn’t seem right or you suspect something is losing its grip,
visit your neighbourhood bike service centre. ABC Quick Check
is a smart way to keep your bike in good shape and you safe. Get
into the habit!
ABOUT CAN-BIKE
The CAN-BIKE
safe cycling skills program is the standard for bicycle education
across Canada. CAN-BIKE Courses teach riding skills, traffic analysis
skills, and collision avoidance techniques. They also provide the
basics on safe equipment, and a basic bike inspection. Regardless
of your experience, CAN-BIKE will make your cycling more effective,
and give you a greater sense of confidence and control in traffic.
With
generous support of Transport Canada’s Moving on Sustainable
Transportation program.
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