Before you climb on the saddle, it’s important to do a little bike maintenance whether it’s been a day or nine months since your last ride.  Follow these simple steps to make sure your bike is in working order:

A is for air.
Are your tires pumped up? If not, get your bike pump out and check for punctures or leaks.  Fun fact: if you don’t have a bike pump, you can get some air at your local gas station. (And at a number of community bike shops and repair stands, like these ones on the UW campus.)

B is for brakes.
Test our your brakes and make sure they are engaging, and that the brake pads aren’t worn away (or this might happen).  If your brakes don’t work, don’t ride.

C is for crank and chain.
Make sure your chain has enough oil and isn’t rusted or broken. Check that the crank bolts are tight.

Quick: Make sure all the quick release levers are pushed down tightly.

Check: Go through this check every time you ride, and you will be safer and happier on your bike.

Map your ride

Use the Seattle, King County, or Google bike map to plan out your route to school.  Do a practice ride with your friends or parents to make sure your route is safe and doesn’t have too many hills. If you do have to go uphill, maybe get one of these.

Sign up for Bike to School Month

If your school isn’t signed up for Bike to School Month, contact Elliott Sherburne (Elementary School coordinator) or Erica Hann (Middle and High School coordinator) to get started.  There are tons of ways to help out, from hanging posters to organizing a Bike to School celebration and of course RIDING!