The 30 Second Bike Check Ensuring Your Bike is Safe for the RideThe best way to ensure your bike is safe is to visit a local bike shop and perform a maintenance check. These are some things to consider:

1. Tires — Check for obvious signs of wear and correct tire inflation. To check inflation, push firmly on the top of the tire with your thumb. If there is enough air, you should not be able to touch the wheel. But every bike is different – check the PSI or Bar Rating stamped into the side wall of your tire and be careful to not overinflate.

2. Brakes — Make sure your brakes are connected and brake pads are in good condition – this is vital for your safety during the ride. Have your brakes checked if they are squealing, are causing concern, or have not been adjusted recently.

3. Quick Releases — These hold your wheels in place and should be tightened to fit snug and be locked in the right direction.

4. The Chain — It is important that your chain is not rusty, dirty or covered in excess oil. Ensure your chain is appropriately lubricated and always use a lube created specifically for bikes.

5. Seat Height — For maximum efficiency and comfort, your seat should be adjusted to fit your height. With your foot on the bottom pedal, your leg should be nearly straight with a slight bend in the knee to prevent injury.

These tires, for example, are worn and damaged. For safety, they should be replaced.

Cycling Rules of the Road Remember: this is a ride, not a race!1. Helmets are mandatory on the Ride. Choose a helmet that fits securely on your head and is Canadian Standards Association approved.

2. Know and obey all traffic signals, signs, markings, laws, and regulations.

3. Always ride predictably and in control. Ride in a straight line, and consciously try to avoid excessive weaving back and forth.

4. Always use hand signals to indicate that you are going to make a right or left turn or are about to stop; motorists and cyclists need to know what you intend to do. If your hands aren’t free as you slow or stop, call out “SLOWING” or “STOPPING.” When stopping, pull to the right edge of the road. Move completely off the road to rest or make repairs.

5. Cycle with traffic, never against it. When moving from one lane to another, always give way to traffic.

6. Keep to the right of the road at all times and leave other Riders plenty of room to pass on your left. The exception to this rule occurs when preparing for a left turn or avoiding unsafe road conditions (potholes, construction, etc.).

7. Call out, “ON YOUR LEFT!” when passing at all times. Also, don’t stop or slow down without letting other cyclists and drivers know your intentions in advance. Call out, “STOPPING!” or “SLOWING!”

8. Always stop at stop signs and look right, left, then right again before entering the road.

9. Always make left turns from the appropriate left-turn lane.

10. Ride single file when cycling with a group. Do not ride side by side.

11. Always be on the lookout for a person in the driver’s seat of any parked car you may pass. Parked drivers are notorious for swinging their doors open suddenly or pulling out into traffic without checking for bicyclists.

12. Drafting behind other cyclists can be dangerous and leaves very little room for error. These techniques should never be used in high traffic areas or on roads with frequent intersections.

Please remember: Ride Don’t Hide is open to cyclists of all abilities. For everyone’s safety, cyclists under 16 years of age are only permitted on the 10/20km route. Trailers and tag-alongs are not permitted. All children must be accompanied by an adult. In the case of inclement weather and/or poor visibility, race organizers reserve the right to suspend the event.