Maintenance...

• All the nuts and bolts and fastenings should be checked for tightness regularly.
  
  
• You can use an oily rag to clean the chrome and nickel plated parts of the frame (except the wheel rims). Use car cleaner and wax on the painted parts.
  
  
• Always test your brakes, and keep them in good repair. The sides of your wheel rims should be free of dirt and oil, so the brakes can grip hard.
  
  
• If your brake cable gets frayed, replace it immediately. Be sure to oil exposed cable ends regularly where they bend or slide against other parts.
  
  
• Lubrication is a very important part of bicycle maintenance. These parts should be checeked regularly, adjusted, oiled (#10-20 weight oil) or greased.
  
  
• Your steering is very important, so keep the front end of your bike in extra good shape. The handlebars and grips must be tight. All cones and bearings should be carefully adjusted.
  
  
• Adjust your chain so there is no more than 2 centimeters (3/4 of an inch) slack. If it is worn so that it cannot be adjusted properly, replace it right away.
  
  
• All of the spokes should be tight, with none missing or broken. Make sure the wheels are straight between the forks and don't wobble more than 0.3 of a centimetre (1/8 of an inch).
  
  
• Your bike should be completely overhauled every year.
  
  
• If in doubt, visit your local bicycle shop.
  
  

Regulations...

• Ride with the traffic on the right hand side of the street.
  
  
• Look for traffic at intersections and when you leave the driveway.
  
  
• Always use lights when the street lights are on.
  
  
• Stunt riding is not allowed on streets and roads. Don't do it - it's dangerous!
  
  
• Never hitch onto moving vehicles... a "free" ride may end up in the hospital.
  
  
• On streets and roads - ride only in single file.
  
  
• Bicycles are not designed to carry passengers. Carry only one person on your bike - yourself!
  
  
• Both hands are for steering, not for carrying newspapers, groceries, school books, or footballs. If you don't have a carrier, use a backpack.
  
  

Tips...

• Is your riding position comfortable? Poorly adjusted saddle and handlebar heights will be uncomfortable and inefficient.
  
  
• Is your bike the right size? An easy test is to straddle the top tube while standing with both feet flat on the ground. Ask your bike shop to help you.
  
  
• Look out for sewer grates that run parallel to road and expansion joints on bridges. Your tires may slip in between the steel bars.
  
  
• Try to pedal at a constant speed. This will mean shifting to a lower gear when pedaling starts to get harder. The experts recommend pedaling at 80-100 r.p.m. in the correct gear.
  
  
• Bicycling is hard work if tires are soft. On most bikes, tire pressure is listed on the side of the tire. Check the tread and sidewalls for cuts and replace worn tires.
  
  
• Be wary of parked cars. Drivers may suddenly open a door in front of you.
  
  
• Do not proceed across intersections until it is safe to do so. It is always safer to get off your bike and walk across a busy intersection.
  
  
• Watch for loose gravel or leaves especially on corners. You can skid and hurt yourself badly.
  
  
• Wear a safety vest so that drivers will see you clearly.
  
  
• WEAR A HELMET!
  
  

After Sunset Safety...