With summer in full swing, biking offers an excellent recreational activity for all. Before jumping on a bike, it’s important that we review the following checklist before we head out for a ride.

• First, we need to pull out our bike and check to make sure our tires are properly inflated.
• Second, we need to take a look at the rest of the bike to make sure all the mechanics are working. This look over includes checking the brakes to ensure they stop the tire when they are moving, that we have reflectors or lights on the front and back of our bike, and that the bicycle chain is allowing for smooth rotation of our tires.
• Third, but most important of all is that we WEAR A HELMET! Helmets prevent us from receiving concussions or more severe head injuries. We must make sure that we properly size our helmets by ensuring our helmet is snug and that we can fit no more than two fingers under the buckled chin strap. We also want to make sure that our side straps form a “V” shape under our ears and that our helmet does not wiggle on our head once we fasten the straps and clip the buckles. If our helmet feels loose after adjustments or our helmet is damaged, then we may need to acquire a new helmet from the FCP Community Health Department. Ensuring we have and wear a properly fitted bike helmet is the most important check before venturing out on a bike.

Summer is a wonderful time to spend time biking with friends and family. Let’s be sure that we look over this checklist before we ride so we can have a safe and enjoyable summer.