A Kids' Bike Safety Checklist
It's as Easy as ABC
Leaving for a ride with your kid? Not so fast! First, make sure to check all the bolts. Kids' bikes are often treated roughly and it's important to make sure nothing has come loose. Next, before you roll out, give your child’s bike (and your own) the quick “ABC” check and you'll be ready to go!
TIGHTEN BOLTS & QUICK-RELEASE
It is essential to your child's safety to check their bicycle before each ride and make sure there are no loose bolts. Some key things to inspect are the stem, headset, and wheels (either check the wheel bolts or the quick-release skewer). Bolts can gradually loosen over time through the vibrations of riding, so it's important to double-check them regularly.
AIR
Check that your bike’s tires are at the right tire pressure. Tire pressure can drastically change the way a bike feels. Bike tires have a recommended PSI range listed on the side. In general, run a higher pressure if your child is riding only on pavement; you can run a lower pressure if they’re riding off-road on trails (a lower PSI essentially functions as minimal suspension, making the ride feel smoother).
BRAKES
Are the bike’s brakes working well? Sometimes brakes can wear down or loosen over time. First, make sure the brake pads aren’t rubbing the rims. An easy way to check is to pick the wheel off the ground and spin it—watch and listen: the wheel should spin freely. Second, make sure that the front and back brakes are engaging the rim; to check, roll the bike around and gently apply pressure individually to the front and back brakes. For small adjustments to your woom bike’s brakes, loosen the barrel adjuster to make the brake pads farther apart, or tighten to bring them closer.
CHAIN
Check the chain on your bicycle for wear or corrosion. If your chain has rust spots, dirt, or debris lodged in the links, derailleur, crankset, or rear cassette, remove these and wipe off the chain with a rag; once your chain is clean, add a little chain oil along the full length of the chain. A great way to keep your bike in good working order is to periodically clean and oil your chain. A clean chain that is not worn will help your drivetrain last as long as possible.