1.) What does it mean when we say "check your ABC's"?

"A" stands for air. If you look on the side-walls of your tire you will see something that might say "Min. 30 psi - Max 80 psi" or something like that. This is telling you how much pressure per square inch your tires need to be inflated to. You can read your tire pressure using the gauge on your bike pump. For safety reasons, you should always keep your tires atthe recommended psi.
"B" stands for brakes. Your brakes need to be functioning if you're going to be riding on the road. When you squeeze down on your brake lever, you should have about an inch of clearance between the lever and your handlebars. If your brake lever is touching the bars you need to adjust your brakes. If you would like help adjusting your brakes you can bring your bike to Bike Bakersfield's office at 1708 Chester Ave. between Wed. and Sat. from 10am to 2pm.
"C" stands for cranks.
Cranks are the arms that your pedals are attached to. When you bike is standing up, grab your cranks and shake em' to see if they are moving around. If they seem loose you need to take your bike to Bike Bakersfield and we'll take a look at it and find the problem.

2.) Always wear a helmet

Just because there is a helmet on your head doesn't necessarily mean you are protecting head. Here's the deal: your helmet needs to be properly secured and strapped on securely - you shouldn't be able to eat a big hamburger with your helmet strapped. A helmet should fit snuggly on your head. You should not be able to turn your helmet around while it is on your head.

3.) Ride on the Right - With Traffic

We can't stress this one enough. Cars are not looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. When a car pulls out of a driveway- or a side street - intending to turn right, they look left, and if it's clear, they hit the gas. Now what happens if there's a bicyclists coming down the wrong side of the road? An accident that could have easily been avoided. Bicyclists need to act as operators of a vehicle - it's the law. Did you know you can get a ticket for riding on the wrong side of the road?

4.) Stop, Look, and Yield - Remember to Signal

Obey all traffic signs. Bike riders must follow the same rules as drivers.

Stay alert at all times. Use your eyes AND ears. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. You need your ears to hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t wear a headset when you ride. In California it is against the law to ride with headphones.

Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway (out of a driveway, from a sidewalk, a bike path, etc.), you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.

Signaling lets other people know what you intend to do. By letting others know what you are doing - you are acting in accordance with the rules of the road and you are working with others on the road. Motorists may become frustrated if you change lanes suddenly without signaling - and this is very dangerous.When you are bicycling on the road you also need to think about lane position. Never make a turn from a lane that is going straight, or go straight in a lane that marked for turning. This is basic stuff, but it's surprising how many bicyclists are not using common sense while riding. If you are going to be going straight at an intersection, and the light is red, do not wait in the right turn lane. Take your place behind the cars that are going straight. Ride to the right of the lane if you are going slower than traffic.

Here's a fun page that helps kids learn about traffic signs.