Because a little prep goes a long way — and so does a properly buckled helmet.
Summer is prime time for bike rides, especially with your family . But before you pump up those tires and head out the door, there are a few things worth checking off your list.
The good news? Prepping for a safe ride can take only ten minutes. Here's everything you need to know.
The Helmet Talk
The excitement for a bike ride often outshines the importance of helmet safety, but it’s an essential item to be protected and worry free.
A helmet only works if it fits properly. A helmet that's too loose, tilted back, or missing a fastened chin strap offers a fraction of the protection it's designed to give. To ensure your helmet provides all the safety it possibly can, run through this quick check before every ride:
- Two fingers between the eyebrows and the helmet's edge, if you can fit more than two, it's sitting too high
- Straps flat against the face on both sides, no twisting, no gaps
- Side straps meet just below the ear in a V-shape under the earlobe
- Chin strap snug but not tight— one finger should fit between the strap and your child's chin
- Use the back dial or sizing pads to dial in the fit until the helmet feels secure and comfortable
This is a simple checklist that can be done before every bike trip, making your bike safety routine easy.
The Five-Minute Bike Check
A five-minute check before you leave is worth it for a disruption-free ride. Give these 3 items on your bike a quick review before you hit the road:
Tires: Give them a squeeze, they should feel firm, not squishy. Follow this by checking for any cuts or worn-down tread.
Chain and gears: The chain should look clean, move smoothly, and shift through gears without skipping or grinding. If it looks rusty or feels stiff, adding some bike lubricant will do the trick. If it's badly worn, it might be time for a tune-up.
Brakes: Squeeze both handles firmly. Your child's bike should come to a full, controlled stop. Check that the brake pads aren't worn down and the cables feel secure. Brakes are not something to gamble on.
Safety Gear your Bike Actually Needs (It's the Law)
Beyond helmets, Ontario law requires a few things on every bike to provide safe riding for everyone:
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A bell or horn in good working order helps you be heard if you’re not seen
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A white front light and red rear light or reflector if you're riding anywhere between 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise
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- White reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on the rear forks — so drivers can see you from the side
Bike Assist
You can’t prepare for everything, when accidents happen have your CAA card ready.
If you get a flat tire or broken chain of your bike ride, call CAA Niagara. Our Bike Assist Emergency Road Service is there to tow your bike and yourself to safety.
Ontario