At Buddy Bike, LLC we hope that all of our customers will have safe and enjoyable rides on their Buddy Bikes so we have collected some information to keep you safe as you enjoy your quality time on your quality bike.

Visit these links for more bike safety information:
KidsHealth.org  |  BicyclingInfo.org  |  CPSC.gov

Cycling Essentials

• Bicycle helmet. Always wear an approved helmet. this means adults too! Check for the CPSC (U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission) ASAI or SNELL label. Select a helmet that fits snugly and sits level on your head, not angled up or to the side. Wear your helmet 2 finger widths above your eyebrows. The strap should be tight enough that you can slip only two fingers between your chin and the buckle. The V straps on the sides should meet just below your ear and, if you look up, you should just barely be able to see the brim.  CORRECT WAY TO WEAR YOUR HELMET

• Clothing. Always wear proper clothing such as bike shorts that won't get caught in moving gears. Wear clothing in bright or neon colors that make you more visible.
• See and Be Seen. Use reflectors. Place them on the front, rear, sides and pedals. Buddy Bikes already have reflectors included. Avoid biking at night but if you must, use safety lights.
• Get used to your Buddy Bike. We suggest that parents ride their Buddy Bike alone until they feel comfortable with the balance and steering of the Buddy Bike which is longer than a typical bicycle.

Safe Cycling Procedures

• Use hand signals. Let vehicle drivers, other cyclists and pedestrians know when you are about to make a turn, slow down or stop. Both captain and stoker should use hand signals to alert traffic as to any of these moves. For road rules and hand signals visit KidsHealth.org.
• Obey all road signals and traffic laws. Vehicle traffic regulations apply to any moving vehicle, including bicycles. Never try to beat a traffic light, make an illegal turn or ride on a sidewalk unless permitted by law. While stopped at a stoplight or stop sign, stoker and captain should have one foot on the ground, the other on a pedal at the 2 o'clock position, so you can safely take off when the light turns green. Give everyone the right of way at intersections; wait your turn. Read your state's bicycle safety regulations.
• Cycle with the flow of traffic. Never cycle against the flow of traffic. If traffic is heavy, walk your bike across an intersection.
• Be alert and cautious. Cross railroad and street car tracks at a right angle to avoid slipping on them. Watch out for potholes and sewer grates that could trap your tire. Keep your eyes open for traffic coming from behind you as well as to the side and be ready to take evasive action at all times.
• Ride defensively! Never assume that eye contact with a driver means the driver sees you, or will give you the right of way, even if it's yours. Do not challenge a motorist, the car has more steel around it than you do! Expect a car to pull out from the side street or turn in front of you.
• Ride in designated bicycle lanes or as close to the curb as possible. Always stay in your lane or as far to the right as possible. On hills stay as far as possible to the right of the road as oncoming cars may not see you. Watch out for suddenly opening doors of parked cars as you approach them. Have an escape route in mind at all times. In Florida, cyclists are permitted to use the entire lane but please don't abuse this right. It only makes drivers angry and doesn't help the cycling cause.
• Take a safety course. One organization offering courses for all ages is the League of American Bicyclists at 410-539-3399.

Bike Safety Tests
Keep your bicycle in good working order. Perform the following safety tests before riding:

• Check the wheels. Pull each wheel back and forth to make sure they are not loose in the frames. Spin the wheels to make sure they are not touching the brake pads.
• Check the tires. If tire sidewalls are cracked or treading is worm smooth, replace tires before riding.
• Ensure secure seat and proper height. Make sure the seat is secure and tighten it if necessary. The seat saddle should be high enough so your leg is slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke. The seat saddle should be level, not titled up or down.
• Check chain. Make sure that the chain is oiled and tight but not stiff with rust.
• Check frame for rust. Check the bike frame for excessive rust. A little surface rust is o.k. but make sure that nothing is rusted through.
• Check brake pads. If the brake pads are too hard to allow you to press your thumbnail into them, they may not help you as well as they should.
• Handlebars. They should be tight with grips on both handles and brakes should work smoothly and quickly.
• Spare parts. On longer bike rides, carry spare inner tubes and tools to change them.

Taking a long ride? Checklist.
If you're taking a day trip with your bicycles, use this checklist to be prepared:

Visit these links for more bike safety information:
KidsHealth.org  |  BicyclingInfo.org  |  CPSC.gov