Before You Bike
Before you ride your bike, make sure it functions properly. Remembering your ABC’s will get you out on the road safely and confidently: A is for Air, B is for Brakes, Bar and Bell, and C is for Chain and Crank.
- Air: Check your tires to ensure they are properly inflated with air and that they are not worn, cracked, or gouged.
- Brakes, Bar & Bell: Squeeze the brake levers of your handlebar brakes to make sure they are working. Check the brake pads for wear and tear. Set your handlebar to the correct height. You should be able to ride comfortably without strain on your back, shoulders, or wrists. Test your bell so you will be able to signal others easily.
- Chain & Crank: Ensure the chain is well oiled and secure so that it does not slip from the gears. Test the crank of your bike by running it through its gears. Ensure you can shift gears easily and cleanly. If any of these things are not correctly working, visit your local bicycle shop to have repairs made.
Here is some important before you bike safety advice to consider.
- Choose the best bicycle for you. Consider size, frame, and seat height, as well as the type of roads or trails you ride on.
- Make sure you have a properly fitting helmet. Follow the 2V1 rule. Your helmet should fit two fingers above your eyebrows, the straps should form a V under your ears, and one finger should fit between the strap and your chin. (courtesy of Saskatchewan Prevention Institute)
- Wear a helmet, every time you ride your bike. Wearing a bike helmet increases your chances of surviving a fall or collision and helps prevent brain injury.
We’ve produced informative, short safety videos with CAA Rewards® Partner, Bruce’s Cycle Works. Thanks to the staff for sharing their expertise.
Sharing the Road
CAA Saskatchewan wants to help ensure the safety of all road users, including cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians. #SharetheRoad safely.
Rules of the Road and Sharing the Road Safety Tips
Cyclists:
- Plan your ride and avoid dangerous routes.
- Be aware of your surroundings, stay alert, and avoid distractions.
- Never ride your bicycle while wearing headphones.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars, except when making hand signals.
- Never carry more people than the bike was designed for and ride in a single file.
- Bicycles are considered – by law – a vehicle on the road and cyclists must obey the same rules when travelling on the road.
- If you dismount and walk alongside your bike, you are considered a pedestrian and have the same rights as a pedestrian.
- Some Saskatchewan communities only allow sidewalk riding by children on bikes with wheels less than 50 cm in diameter.
- It is recommended you walk your bicycle on pedestrian crosswalks and overpasses.
- Always ride on the right in the same direction as traffic.
- You can use your CAA membership if you get stranded with a flat tire or a broken chain on your bicycle. CAA Roadside Assistance will transport you and your bike to your required destination through our Bike Assist service.
- Download the CAA Family Safety Booklet containing fun activities and information about pedestrian, bike, and school zone safety, as well as the CAA School Safety Patrol® Program. Complimentary copies of the booklet are available at all CAA Stores.
Share the Road Intro – The Road to Recovery
Share the Road Compliments – The Road to Recovery
Motorists:
- Leave at least one metre of space between you and cyclists.
- Use your turn signals to indicate your intentions and always obey traffic signals and signs.
- Shoulder check, check your mirrors and blind spots before turning, changing lanes, passing, or merging.
- When parked on the street, don’t open your door into traffic. Instead, do the Dutch Reach and check your blind spot first.
CAA Bike Safety Road Test
Teach your kids the rules of the road. Learning to ride a bike can be exciting and stressful, especially when it is your child. CAA has designed a road test with safe cycling tips and advice for parents and their kids. Each section gives you step by step instructions on performing common tasks like stopping at a stop sign, changing lanes, or properly putting on a helmet. Preparation and practice are one way to help keep you and your child safe on their bike ride.