Before each ride, make sure your bike is in good working order. Perform an ABC Quick Check to avoid common mechanical issues.

• Air: squeeze each tire. If it’s soft, inflate to the recommended pressure listed on the side of the tire.

• Brakes: squeeze the brake levers and roll the bike forward. If the bike moves without resistance, the brakes need to be adjusted.

• Chain: look for rust or gunk on the chain. Clean and/or lube the chain so it moves freely.

• Quick Release: confirm that all quick release levers – especially the levers for the wheels – are tight and closed .

• Check: pedal around for a bit to ensure the bike is working properly before departing.

Check out this video from League of American Bicyclists to learn more about the ABC Quick Check

Bicycle helmets are available in a variety of sizes. It’s important that a helmet is the appropriate size for your head. The following tips will ensure a helmet is properly fitted:

• Eyes: place the helmet loosely on your head. One should be able to look up and see the front edge of the helmet. If not, the helmet is not level and should be adjusted.

• Ears: the side straps should join just below the ears and form a “Y” shape. If not, adjust the straps to ensure a snug fit.

• Chin: fasten the chin strap. There should only be space for two fingers between the strap and your chin.

Some helmets have a dial in back that allows for better fit. Turn the dial until the helmet is snug (but not too tight) on your head.

Check the label on your helmet for the manufacture date. Helmets should be replaced about every five years.

Children should start biking on sidewalks with an adult nearby. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians they encounter on sidewalks.

As they mature, children will likely ride faster which increases the potential for conflicts with pedestrians and motorists. Faster-moving bicyclists on sidewalks are harder for motorists to see than people riding bikes on the right side of the roadway.

When the child is ready, practice biking on the road together to teach skills such as: bicycling defensively, scanning for traffic, looking back (and listening) for cars behind, proper lane positioning (for turning and going straight), and using hand signals.

Choose routes that are appropriate to the child’s ability and comfort.

Adult should set a good example by following traffic laws and wearing a helmet.

Pay attention at intersections! Stop and then look left – right – left for traffic. Wait for vehicles to pass.

Young children should not cross busy roads without an adult.

Be cautious at driveways and alleys! When entering or exiting, drivers do not always anticipate a child biking on the sidewalk.

It’s important to communicate with the pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists you encounter while biking. Hand signals are an easy way to safely share your intention with others.

Signal a turn about 100 feet before an intersection. Return both hands to the handlebars before initiating a turn.

• Left turn: extend your left arm outward and point. Hold the signal for 2-3 seconds.

• Right turn: extend your right arm outward and point. Hold the signal for 2-3 seconds.

  • Another option for indicating a right turn is to extend your left arm, bent at the elbow so your forearm is pointing up.

• Straight: extend your left arm in front of you and point forward.

• Stopping: extend your left arm, bent at the elbow so your forearm is pointing down and your palm is facing back.

When biking on multi-use trails, it’s important to be responsible and predictable. To ensure safety for all trail users:

• Bike on the right side or in the right lane

• Yield to slower trail users, such as walkers, runners, and other bicyclists

• Announce intent to pass by ringing a bell or by clearly saying, “passing”

• Pass other trail users on the left when it’s safe to do so

When biking at night, it’s important to be visible to others. Illinois law requires a white front light and a red rear light (or reflector) to ride a bicycle at night.

Wearing a reflective ankle strap and clothing with reflective material increases visibility.

Below are a few additional tips for child bicyclist:

• Do

  • Be predictable and visible

  • Wave “thank you” to patient, courteous motorists

  • Lock your bike when leaving it unattended

• Don’t

  • Wear earbuds

  • Weave between vehicles

  • Bike against traffic