Beginning Cycling Tips

ABC QUICK CHECK

A is for air
• Inflate tires to rated pressure as listed on the sidewall of the tire
• Use a pressure gauge to insure proper pressure
• Check for damage to tire tread and sidewall; replace if damaged
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BICYCLE CLOTHING BASICS

Always wear a properly fitting helmet
• Make sure that the helmet fits on top of thehead, not tipped back
• Always wear a helmet while riding a bike, no matter how short the trip
• After a crash or impact on your helmet, replace it immediately
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EFFICIENCY ON THE BIKE

Use lower gears
• Most beginning cyclists push too big a gear; down shift and spin a smaller gear
• Low cadence will cause you to fatigue faster and might cause knee pain
• Try to spin about 90 rpms; you’ll have more energy and get a better workout
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HELMET FIT

Wear a helmet
• A helmet is your last line of defense in a crash; never ride without one
• Helmets can reduce serious head injuries by 85% in a crash
• A helmet will not protect your head if it is not properly fit
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SHARING THE PATH

Courtesy
• Respect other trail users; joggers, walkers, bladers, wheelchairs all have trail rights
• Respect slower cyclists; yield to slower users
• Obey speed limits; they are posted for your safety
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SHIFTING AND GEARS

Front derailleur
• Left shifter controls the front derailleur and which chainring your chain is on
• Used less frequently than rear derrailleur
• Shifting requires more attention than the rear derailleur but is done less frequently
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