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.

Cycling Essentials
In order to enjoy a safe ride on your bicycle, here are some cycling essentials:

• Clothing
  Always wear proper clothing such as bike shorts that won't get caught in moving gears.
• Bicycle helmet
  Always wear an approved helmet. Check for the CPSC (U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission) sticker or ASAI or SNELL. Select a helmet that fits snugly and sits level on your head (not angled up or to the side). 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.
• Reflectors. Place reflectors on the front, rear sides and pedals. Buddy Bikes already have reflectors included.
• 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.
• Take a safety course. One organization offering courses for all ages is the League of American Bicyclists at 410-539-3399.
• Cycle defensively. Expect a car to pull out from the side street or turn left in front of you.
• Cycle with the flow of traffic. Never cycle against the flow of traffic. If traffic is heavy, walk your bike across an intersection.

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.