Pre-Ride Bike Safety Checklist

If cycling is a part of your workout routine, you may have a pre-ride routine that includes pumping your tires, filling your water bottles, and packing a couple of energy bars or having a bite to eat. But it's not a bad idea to get into a habit of doing a quick safety check to make sure your bike is in good condition as well.

Bikes, although pretty simple, can be finicky machines to maintain. Minor wear and tear can add up and over time it could cause mechanical failure.

To avoid having a breakdown out in the middle of nowhere (or somewhere you'd rather not be) take a minute to run through a quick pre-ride checklist and make sure you have what you need for a safe and enjoyable ride. These are a few of the items you should consider taking on a long bike ride.

Safety and Emergency Repair Checklist

Most emergency gear will fit easily in a special bag that attaches under your bicycle seat. These bags are sold at bike shops and come in a variety of sizes and styles. You can store many of the essentials you need in these bags.

You also should make sure you know how to repair a flat tire and how to do minor bike repairs. Practice at home before you need to do it on the road. Most bike shops offer classes on basic bike repair, which could be a useful skill to have.

Biking Comfort and Clothing Checklist

Outdoor cycling equipment is designed to keep you safe and comfortable. For this reason, many cyclists wear cycling shoes and use clipless pedals that allow cycling shoes to lock into place.

A simple twist of the foot releases the shoe from the pedal. Clipless pedals also allow cyclists to pull up as well as push down on the pedals and create a much more efficient pedal stroke and faster speeds.

Likewise, bicycle seats, also called saddles, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. To find the best one for you, try several types.

Pre-Ride Safety Inspection

Before each ride, perform a safety check of your bicycle. This only needs to take a minute or two but will help prevent avoidable accidents.

Do a slow-speed ride and inspect bicycle, brakes, and shifting before you leave your driveway. Following these guidelines will go a long way to enjoying your bike rides and will often help you prevent unexpected incidents or a long walk home. 

A Word From Verywell

Cycling is fun, low-impact workout with a number of health benefits. But, it also can come with a few risks if you are not prepared. By following a routine before long rides, and checking to make sure you have everything you need to stay safe while on your ride you can help minimize the risks involved with cycling.