Bicycle Safety Checklist
And Bicycle Inspection Checklist

Who needs a bicycle safety checklist? biking may seem like a harmless exercise and it really is safer than driving a car or certainly a truck. Still, it's always better to be safe than sorry. It's the first principle of biking - be safe.

Before hopping on my bike, I always make it a point to follow my bicycle inspection checklist and to take my emergency gear. It's really important, especially when going on bicycling tours.

A Short Bicycle Inspection Checklist

What do I need to include on my bicycle safety checklist prior to each ride?

Are the bicycle wheels spinning properly?
Are the bicycle brakes secure and working fine?
Are all the spokes in their proper place?
Is the bicycle chain well lubricated? Does it fit properly?
Is the motion of the bicycle pedals smooth?
Are the bicycle handlebars secure and straight?
Is the saddle properly adjusted?
Are there any bicycle lights on the front of the bike?
Is there a bicycle bell or a horn? Do they work?
Are there any bicycle reflectors mounted on the bike? Are they clean and high-reflecting?

Apart from that bicycle safety checklist, you must carry bicycle safety equipment with you. I always carry equipment with me to be safe. At first, it was quite tedious for me to bring all that emergency equipment because I won't always need it. However, I have purchased a special bag that I can attach under my bicycle seat. There are many kinds of bicycle saddle bags on the Internet and in almost every bicycle store. They come in different sizes and styles.

What Do I Need To Carry With Me on Each Ride?

The best bicycle helmet with a proper fit: To protect against possible head injuries or trauma- A MUST-HAVE.

Biking sunglasses or other means of eye protection: To ensure protection from ultra-violet rays and other harmful environmental particles.

Bicycle tire pump: In case of a flat tire.

Bicycling gloves: To protect my hands if I fall.

Spare bicycle inner tubes and a patch kit: To continue with a flat tire even if I do not have a spare. I can simply plug the hole.

Bicycle repair kit: To perform emergency repairs as needed without having to go to the bike repair shop.

Reflectors and a bicycle light: To prevent accidents and collisions.

Neon-colored cycling clothes: To be seen in the dark, and during conditions of poor visibility.

First-aid kit: For easy treatment of bike scrapes and wounds.

Cell phone: For communication and back-up help. You can also use a GPS Tracking Locator.

Identification card with my medical information and emergency contact person: For easy recognition in case I am injured.

Some extra cash: For emergencies.

Summary

It might seem like a lot of stuff to carry, but believe me - it's not. As I said earlier, bicycle saddle bags were invented for this purpose. You can easily fit all this equipment in a bag and attach it under your seat.

If you are going on a short bicycle ride near your home you may not need a bicycle safety checklist, but if you are on your way to another one of your bicycling tours, a bicycle safety checklist can be very helpful.