3.2 Pre-Ride Safety Checks
CONDUCT THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY CHECKS BEFORE EVERY JOURNEY:
BRAKES
MAKE SURE THE BRAKES WORK PROPERLY SUCH THAT:
· THE HANDBRAKE LEVERS ARE SECURED TO THE HANDLEBAR AND LUBRICATED SO THEY COMPRESS EASILY.
· WHEN SQUEEZED, THE HANDBRAKE LEVERS DO NOT COMPRESS THE RIDER’S FINGERS.
· THE BRAKE PADS ARE NOT WORN, AND ARE CENTERED AND ALIGNED WITH THE WHEEL RIMS.
CONDUCT A BRAKE CHECK AND ADJUSTMENT, IF NECESSARY, PRIOR TO EVERY RIDE. SEE PAGE 46.
CRANKS AND PEDALS
· CHECK THAT THE PEDALS ARE SECURELY TIGHTENED TO THE CRANKS.
· CHECK THAT THE CRANKS ARE SECURELY TIGHTENED TO THE BODY OF THE BIKE.
FRAME AND FORK
· CHECK THAT THE BIKE FRAME AND THE FORK ARE NOT DAMAGED, BENT, OR BROKEN.
STEERING
· CHECK THAT THE HANDLEBAR AND FRONT FORK ARE ALIGNED AND ROTATE IN UNISON.
· CHECK THAT THE HANDLEBAR IS SECURED IN POSITION.
WHEELS AND TIRES
· CHECK THAT TIRES DO NOT SHOW SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE WEAR OR ARE DAMAGED.
· MAKE SURE THAT THE TIRES ARE INFLATED TO THE RECOMMENDED PRESSURE OF 45 PSI.
· CHECK THAT THE WHEEL SPOKES ARE NOT BROKEN.
· CHECK THE WHEEL RIMS ARE NOT DAMAGED OR BENT.
· CHECK THAT THE AXLE NUTS ARE TIGHT.