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Safety and Cycling
Bicycles can be considered symbols of independence and freedom. They are also fun, providing riders a "greener," healther form of transportation. Bicycles are also considered vehicles, and riders have a responsibility each time they take to the road.
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Fitting a Bike | Fitting a Helmet | Bike Maintenance | Riding Tips
How to Choose and Fit a Bicycle
Types of Bicycles
Single-speed middleweight bikes
Coaster brakes; recommended for young cyclists (up to age 10) over hand-brakes, until the child has developed greater strength in hands and wrists.
BMX bikes
Modified frame, special wheels, competition handlebars and seat, and hand brakes
Multi-speed lightweight bikes
For long-distance cycling, hill-climbing and racing; equipped with hand brakes and requires maintenance
All-terrain or mountain bikes
Sturdy, multi-speed, wide tires, upright handlebars, hand brakes and off-road capabilities
How to Fit a Bike: 3 Steps to a Good Fit
1. Check the Bicycle Frame Size
Stand over the bike and ensure there is clearance between you and the top tube:
- Road bikes: 1” clearance
- Mountain bikes: 3-5”
Size Chart: Typical Bike Fits for Children
- Under 6 years*: 12” – 16” wheel
- 6 to 9 years*: 20” wheel
- 9 to 11 years: 24” wheel
- 12 and older: 26” or larger wheel
*Children age 6 and under need close supervision – even on quiet neighborhood streets.
2. Adjust the Bicycle Seat Height
The rider should be able to sit on the seat and balance the bicycle with both feet just touching the ground. The bicycle should not lean to one side.
While seated, the rider’s leg should be slightly bent when the pedal is at its lowest rotation. Seats that are adjusted too low can cause knee pain. Seats set too high can cause hamstring pain.
The seat may need to be adjusted to find the right fit. If the seat is in the lowest position and the rider cannot touch both feet to the ground, the bicycle is too large.
When buying a bike for a child, avoid buying a large bicycle for your child to “grow into.”
3. Check Positioning of Your Bicycle Handlebars
Position standard handlebars above the center bar, with grips at or above the seat level.
Position dropped handlebars (below the center bar) so the upper part of the bar is level with, or slightly below, the seat and tilted down.
Adjust your handlebars so the 70% of your weight is on the seat, and 30% of your weight is on the handlebars.
Jump to
Fitting a Bike | Fitting a Helmet | Bike Maintenance | Riding Tips
How to Choose and Fit a Helmet
When to Replace a Bicycle Helmet
- If you are involved in a crash
- If the helmet dropped hard enough to crack the foam
- If the outside is made of just foam or cloth instead of plastic
- If it lacks a SPSC, ASTM or Snell sticker inside
- If you are unable to adjust it to fit correctly
Purchasing and Fitting a Bicycle Helmet
Head injuries are the leading cause of death in 80% of bicycle crashes.
- Select a helmet approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as noted on a sticker inside the helmet.
- Helmets should sit level and low on the forehead, so the wearer can see the front of the helmet when they look up.
- If the helmet is slightly large, insert extra padding provided with the helmet and adjust the fit ring on the back of the helmet.
- Straps should be adjusted to center the buckle under the chin, with side straps forming a “V” shape under and slightly in front of the ears. To check for a snug fit, you should only be able to fit one or two fingers under the chin strap. When your chin strap is buckled, open your mouth and feel the helmet press firmly against the top of your head.
- Be a good role model! Wear your helmet on every single ride. According to Safe Kids USA, a child who rides with an adult wearing a helmet is more likely to wear one, too.
Jump to
Fitting a Bike | Fitting a Helmet | Bike Maintenance | Riding Tips
Bicycle Maintenance
Bike Tune-Ups
Get into the habit of cleaning and inspecting your bike on a regular basis. You can make minor adjustments on your own, but it may be a good idea to use a local repair shop for more complex problems.
Bicycle Maintenance Tips
Brakes
Keep coaster brakes (operated from the pedals) lightly oiled.
Hand-brakes have brake calipers that contract to apply the pads to the rims. For optimum performance, keep your rims clean. When not in use, the pads should just clear the rim. Brake levers that touch the handlebars are in need of adjustment.
Frame
Ensure the bicycle frame is intact and that no brackets, screws or bolts are loose or missing. Rusted, bent or broken metal could result in a puncture wound or other injury.
Reflectors
Essential for increasing visibility, reflectors should be located on the bike’s front, rear, sides and pedals. Replace any cracked or worn reflectors as soon as possible.
Tires
Keep tires inflated to the correct pressure marked on the tire wall. To locate a leak in a flat tire, fill the inner tube with air, place the tube in water and watch for any air bubbles. Replace worn or damaged tires.
Wheels
Turn your bike upside-down and spin the wheels. They should spin evenly, without rubbing the forks or the frame. Replace broken spokes to avoid any safety hazard. Tighten spokes evenly to prevent wheel wobbling.
Jump to
Fitting a Bike | Fitting a Helmet | Bike Maintenance | Riding Tips
Bike Riding Tips
Stat Stealers
- More than half a million collisions between motor vehicles and bicycles occur in the United States each year
- Hundreds of cyclists are killed and tens of thousands more are injured in preventable crashes each year
- If all bicyclists wore helmets, one life could be saved every day; one head injury could be prevented every 4 minutes
- Almost half of all bicycle crashes occur on driveways and sidewalks
- Not all injuries are the result of a crash; some are caused from simply falling over.
Mistakes Cause Mishaps
Both cyclists and motorists can cause a crash. Here are some common causes and a few things you can do to prevent them.
Mid-Block Ride Out
This crash type occurs when a bicyclist enters the roadway from a driveway, alley or curb without slowing, stopping or looking for traffic. This sudden entry leaves a motorist with too little time to avoid a collision. Bicyclists should stop to look left-right-left and make sure it's clear before entering the roadway.
Wrong-Way Riding
It is unlawful to ride a bicycle facing traffic. Always ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic.
Motorist Passing Cyclist
Motorists need to give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing-even more at higher speeds. Do not pass a cyclist until it can be done safely. Cyclists should always signal their intentions and wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility.
Left Turn or Sudden Swerve
Swerving left into the path of an oncoming vehicle is the leading cause of bike crashes. When making a left turn, give the appropriate hand signal, look behind you, and make the turn when the intersection is clear. Before riding in the road, practice looking behind you until you can do so without swerving.
Failing to Obey Signs and Signals
Both motorists and bicyclists must always follow the directions of signs and signals, including stopping at all red lights and stop signs.
For more information on bicycle safety and bike maintenance, visit AAA Exchange.
Cycling is becoming more and more popular. Here are some steps you can take to ride more safely!
For more information and resources, visit ShareTheRoad.AAA.com.
Learn more from our bicycle education brochure!
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