There should be approximately two inches of space between the brake lever and the handlebar before squeezing. If the brake pads rub the rim, adjust them so that they don't. Turn the bike over or lift one end at a time off of the ground.Replace them if there's less than a quarter inch of pad left. Start by visually inspecting the brake pads.Better still, make sure they're in working order before they get a chance to squeal.

So, if your brakes have been squealing lately, you know they need looking at. Nothing can get you into trouble on a bike quicker than not being able to stop when you need to. If you have them, it's time for a new tire. Check your tires for cuts, cracks and bald spots.Generally, that means higher psi for heavier riders. You may need to factor in rider weight, too. You'll probably want a higher psi for better traction when riding on smooth pavement, and a lower psi for off-road riding where things are a bit bumpier. Start in the middle of the pressure range, and then adjust for comfort. Don't inflate to the maximum amount, though. Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure.Just make sure you have the proper pump for the type of stems on your bike. You have one in your toolkit (see above). Check the pressure in each of the tires.Recommended pressure is listed as a range (35 to 65 psi, for example) or stated as a single maximum figure (like 65 psi). Tire pressure is listed in pounds-per-square-inch, or psi. Sometimes it's hard to spot, especially on older tires, but it's there. Check the recommended pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire.If they're mushy, even a little bit, you can be sure they need some air. That's why it's important to check your pressure before every ride. Factors such as temperature, and the age and wear of your tires and rims, play a part. Getting the right tire pressure can be trickier than you think, however. Well-maintained and properly inflated tires are not only important for safety reasons, they're also essential for an enjoyable, worry-free ride. 'A' Stands for AirĪir, of course, has to do with the air in your bike's tires. The nonprofit League of American Bicyclists' stated vision is, '…a nation where everyone recognizes and enjoys the many benefits and opportunities of bicycling.' Bicycle safety is a big concern of the League, and so they came up with a simple basic bike check formula that's as easy as following your ABC's. Once you've gathered all of the tools you'll need, it's time to start the bicycle safety checklist with… The ABC's Make sure they're the right size for your bike's tires. Spare tire tubes (two spares is a good idea).Or add a separate gauge if your pump doesn't have one. Fortunately, basic bike maintenance requires only a small set of tools and supplies. Maintaining a bike is so much easier when you have the right tools at hand. We've included Items normally found only on bigger rider's bikes – like multiple gear systems – in the discussion. The bicycle safety checklist below, although put together with kids in mind, works for both child and adult bikes and riders. About adult bikes and riders: In most cases, adult bicycles are more complex than children's bikes. And the best way to begin is by using a bicycle safety checklist like the one here. But there is a lot you can do to minimize the risks. Here's the point: Short of locking the doors and throwing away the key, there's nothing you can do to provide a 100% guarantee that you or your kids will always be safe from injury when out riding a bike. And children, adolescents, and young adults have the highest rates of nonfatal bicycle-related injuries. Among those groups with the highest bicycle death rates are adolescents and young adults.in 2013, there were 900 deaths and almost another half-million emergency room visits due to bicycle-related injuries. Bicycle trips account for only one percent of trips in the U.S., yet bicyclists face a higher risk of crash-related death and injury than people riding in motor vehicles.Here are a few important facts to consider, offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Too often those kids – small kids – are speeding around on busy streets, unsupervised, riding squeaky, wobbly bikes too big for their size. And they're not always riding on uncrowded sidewalks in safe suburban neighborhoods. Kids aren't always riding shiny new bikes or wearing helmets or other protective gear. Is there anything that makes parents prouder than the first time they watch their child ride a two-wheeler on his or her own? And seeing a little kid pedaling away on a shiny new bike down the sidewalk, decked out in a brightly-colored safety helmet and shoulder and knee pads – what could be cuter? Not much.

Bike safety checklist