ALWAYS DO A PRE-RIDE SAFETY CHECK

Some cycling accidents aren’t caused by collisions. Others are caused by an equipment malfunction. As such, it’s advisable to always check the condition of your bike before riding—emphasize on always.

Check your bike and all its components, your helmet, and other gear before you hit the road. The most important areas to inspect are your tires, brakes, chains, knots and bolts, and gears. This not-so-time-consuming process can save your life. For a complete reference, here’s a pre-ride safety checklist you can follow:

Check if both tires are properly inflated and if the tire treads have visible signs of excessive wear or other damages.

Check the brakes for rubbing and the brake pads for excessive wear.

Check if the cables and housing have damages—such as fraying or splitting.

Check if the wheel quick-release levers are all secured.

Check if any of the bolts, screws, and nuts are loose.