Bicycle Safety
Happy National Bike to School Day!
Ghisallo Cycling Initiative
Spring 2025
Bike Club &
Bicycle Skills Challenge
Biking reduces carbon emissions produced by motor vehicles, resulting in improved air quality and reduced resource utilization.
Biking also reduces congestion and the need for large parking lots and roadways.
Environmental Benefits of Biking
Sustainability
Austin has a goal of NetZero carbon by 2040! The Climate Equity Action plan goal is that by 2030, 50% of trips in Austin are made using public transit, biking, walking, carpooling, or no trip at all.
Climate Action
Overview
Helmets reduce risk of critical head injuries from crashes.
We never know when something unexpected may cross our path.
5 Steps of Helmet Fitting: https://vimeo.com/413636265
Helmets
ABCD Quick Check
Perform before every ride to check your bike is in safe riding condition.
Air
Brakes
Chain and Cranks
Drop
Quick Release
Air
Brakes
Check both tires for air pressure. Add or release pressure when necessary. While here, you can check for tire condition: tears, punctures, tire rot.
Squeeze brake levers to verify they work properly. Check brake cables for cuts, kinks, frayed wires.
Chain and Cranks
Drop
Chain should be clean and well lubricated. Run the chain a few times through the gears and make sure it doesn’t skip gears or have any hard bends.
Lift the bicycle (as shown) a few inches off the ground and gently release, making sure it doesn’t topple over. Listen for any unfamiliar noises.
Quick Check
If your bike has quick release levers or skewers, check that they are all tightly closed. Don’t need to be real tight, firmly secured will do.
Stop Signal
Left-Turn Signal
Use hand signals to let people know where you are going.
Demonstration of hand signals: https://vimeo.com/413314765
Right Image Courtesy of League of American Bicyclists
Right-Turn Signal
Verbal & Hand Signals
Look forward and look back over shoulder before moving left to see if there is a car or other road users. Think of it as a radar.
Right Image Courtesy by League of American Bicyclists
Scanning
Use front white lights and red rear lights or reflectors when riding at night or at dark.
Be Visible! Be Seen!
Ride Bright at Night
With kids developing skills, we use bike lanes, slow low traffic neighborhoods, or sidewalks.
Rules of the Road
Road Hazards
Railroad tracks - Always cross at 90 degrees.
Weather - Rain and fog can reduce visibility and traction for both bikes and cars. High winds can make it more difficult to control bikes, and also cars and trucks.
Door Zones - Motorists sometimes open doors without looking for oncoming cyclists. Leave 3 ft of space between you and the cars.
Safe Passing Zone - Cars too must pass with a minimum of 3 ft.
Thank you for your time and attention. Grab a bike, a helmet, a friend - or two, and have fun!
This message is for teachers and administrators. Ghisallo Cycling Initiative is looking for schools to participate in our Bike Rodeos. Students can practice the skills in this presentation with bikes and instructors. If your school is interested please reach out to thomas.epling@ghisallo.org, for more information on our programs and services.