Bicycle Safety

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.

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.

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.

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.