Be Prepared for Your Ride
Steamboat Springs is designated as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Here are some smart cycling tips from the League to help us all enjoy Bike Town safely.
Basic Bike Check
Just Remember ABC Quick Check
- Inflate tires to the pressure listed on the side of the tire
- Use a pressure gauge to insure proper pressure
- Check for damage on tired and replace if damaged
- Inspect pads for wear; replace is there is less than ¼” of pad left
- Check pad adjustment; make sure they do not rub the tire
- Look to see that you can fit your thumb between the brake lever handlebar when the brakes are squeezed all the way
- Pull your cranks away from the bike – if they are loose, tighten the bolt
- Check your that your chain is free of rust and gunk
- Make sure your quick releases are all closed
- They should all be pointing to the back of the bike, so that they don’t get caught on anything
- Take a quick ride to check that it is working properly
What to Wear
Biking is the most fun when you’re comfortable
- Wear a properly fitted helmet
- Make sure that the helmet fits on top of the head and is parallel to the ground
- After a crash or impact on your helmet, it should be replaced
- You don’t have to wear special cycling gear in order to ride a bike, everyday clothes work just fine
- If your bike doesn’t have a chain guard, you can keep your pants away from the chain by rolling up your pant leg or using a leg band
- Tight, close fit keeps fabrics from rubbing your skin and causing irritation
- Bike shorts should be worn alone or under another pair of lightweight shorts
- Wear layers
- Gloves and ear warmers are particularly helpful
- Wear bright colors and reflective gear
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Wear bright colors and reflective gear
- Jerseys help pull moisture away from your skin and have pockets on the back for food, tools, and money
- Cycling shorts offer cushioning
- Bike gloves help distribute pressure across your palms
SCANNING
SIGNALING
BASIC BIKE CHECK
Help Keep Your Bike Trip Safe with The League’s 5 Rules of the Road:
FOLLOW THE LAW
Your safety and image of bicyclists depend on you. You have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.
BE PREDICTABLE
Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars. Signal turns, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.
BE CONSPICUOUS
Ride where people can see you and wear bright clothing. Use a front white light, red rear light and reflectors when visibility is poor. Make eye contact with others and don’t ride on sidewalks.
THINK AHEAD
Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other people on bikes will do next. Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
RIDE READY
Check that your tires are sufficiently inflated, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly, and quick release levers are closed. Carry tools and supplies that are appropriate for your ride. Wear a helmet.