Bikeability in Bradford
Bicycle safety check
City of Bradford MDC
www.bradford.gov.uk
Bicycle Helmets
The correct way to fit your helmet
G Your helmet should feel comfortable, not too
tight and have a slight amount of movement.
G The helmet should always sit on top of your head.
G Adjust the strap under your ears first. The buckle
should be just under the lobe of your ear.
G Finally adjust the chin strap for a comfortable fit.
G Try the thumb test: place your thumb under the front
of your helmet and push hard. If the helmet moves
to the back of your head it is too loose and will not
be of any use.
Bicycle Safety Check
Rule 60 of the Highway Code
At night your cycle must have white front and red rear
lights lit. It must be fitted with a red rear reflector (and
amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/1985).
White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help
you be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is
recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas
without street lighting use a steady front lamp.
Pupils will not be allowed on the course if, in the opinion
of the instructor, their bicycle is not in a safe condition.
Bicycle Size
When sitting on the
saddle you should
be able to touch
the ground with the
toes of both feet at
the same time.
Check monthly
Saddle
The safety mark on the stem
should not be visible. Check the
saddle nuts are fully tightened.
Check monthly
Frame & Forks
Cracks and fractures in the frame
can be very dangerous. If you find
cracks you must not ride the
bicycle. Also make sure there is
no serious rusting on the frame.
Check monthly
Handlebars
The safety mark on the stem
should not be visible and the
handlebars should not move
independently of the forks.
Check monthly
Brakes
Brakes should be checked every time you ride.
Stand by the bicycle, apply the front
brake and try to push the bicycle
forwards. If the front wheel turns then
the brake is not working properly. Do
this test again with the back brake.
When sitting on the saddle you must
be able to operate the brake levers
without taking your hands off the
handlebars.
Look at the brake blocks. If they are
worn down they should be replaced.
Check that the cables are not frayed.
Wheels
Spin the wheels gently one at a time.
They should spin freely without rubbing
against the forks or brakes and they
should not wobble from side to side.
Check that the wheel nut or quick release
levers are fully tightened before you ride
Tyres
Tyres should always be pumped up
hard. Check them before you ride by
pinching the sides of the tyre together.
If they squash easily the tyres need
pumping up. If your tyre tread is worn
or bald it should be replaced.
Check daily
Pedals
Pedals should spin freely.
Check monthly
Gears
Gears easily clog up with dirt
so keep them clean. Check
cables are not fraying.
Check monthly
Chain
Check the chain to see if
there is any rust. If rust is
seen oil the chain. Check
especially after rain.
Make sure your chain is not
too loose; otherwise it might
come off, throwing you off
the bike. If the chain is too
loose it might need replacing.
Check weekly
Gears
Not working
Cable damaged
Needs adjusting
Chain
Too tight
Too slack
Needs oiling
Needs cleaning
Needs replacing
Of the faults identified, the following
must be rectified by the next training
session to ensure a roadworthy cycle:
Front Wheel
Spokes loose
Tyre damaged
Tyre needs replacing
Tyre under inflated
Front brake
Badly adjusted
Blocks worn
Cable frayed
Not Working
Rear reflector
Missing
Incorrectly placed
Dirty
Rear Wheel
Spokes Loose
Tyre damaged
Tyre needs replacing
Tyre under inflated
Front reflector
Missing
Incorrectly placed
Dirty
Steering
Bearing loose
Out of line
Handlebars loose
Always check batteries and bulbs
before setting off on a night journey
Rear brake
Badly adjusted
Blocks worn
Cable frayed
Not Working
Saddle
Needs raising
Needs lowering
Broken
Loose
Parent / Carer: I have received and read the check form, signed: ............................................................
Name: .................................................. Examined by: .................................................. Date: ..............
Bicycle Check Form
Published by Bradford Council Transport Planning,
Learning Services and Public Affairs and Communications
For further activities please
visit www.bradford.gov.uk/sport