The nice summer weather motivates many people to go for a ride on their bicycle. Bicycling can also be a great way to minimize transportation expenses.
However, before hitting the road, you should perform maintenance on your bike to ensure it is safe to ride. Regular maintenance can help improve your chances of making quick maneuvers to avoid a crash that could cause severe injuries.
If you are a cyclist who was injured because of the negligence of another, the Cincinnati bicycle accident lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can help. We can discuss your chances of recovering compensation during a free and confidential case review.
Test The Brakes
Your brakes are your bicycle’s most important safety feature because they allow you to slow down or stop to avoid hazards. However, if your brakes are in bad shape, they might not work properly when you need them to, causing you to get into an accident.
You should test your brakes out before you ride your bike. Ride your bike slowly and brake with both hands and then with one hand to see how your brakes are functioning. If your bike brakes via the pedals, test the brake to make sure it reacts immediately to the pedals.
If the brakes do not seem strong, consider potential problems. Common brake problems include:
- Worn brake pads
- Brake pads that drag on your wheels
- Stretched out brake cables
Check for any brake rubbing as you spin your wheels. You can use your brake adjusters to tighten loose brake cables. If a wheel is out of alignment, you can correct it by loosening the wheel and ensuring it is lined up with the frame of the bike, and then re-tighten.
Check Tire Pressure
You also need to carefully maintain your tires, as underinflated or misaligned tires could contribute to a crash. Regularly check the air pressure in your tires and make sure that they are fully inflated. Your wheel levers should be fully tightened and all spokes should be in place. You also need to ensure that your wheels are spinning in alignment before you take off.
Inspect Handlebars And Steering Components
Before hitting the road, also check your handlebars by turning them to each side. If your handlebars are facing a different direction than your wheel or if your wheel and handlebars turn at a different rate, you may need to tighten your handlebars. Loosen them with an Allen wrench, stand in front of your bike, line them up correctly and then re-tighten with an Allen wrench.
Clean The Chain, Cassette And Other Moving Parts
These components help your wheels move forward, so it is important to ensure that they are in good working order. Make sure your chain is lubricated and operating smoothly. You may need to clean the chain and apply lubricant to prevent wear or derailment. If your chain is too dry, your gears will not shift smoothly.
Also, keep the cassette, cables and other moving parts clean and lubricated. Check your chain periodically and replace it when it looks too worn down.
Contact A Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, seek medical attention for your injuries. Then, contact a personal injury lawyer in Cincinnati at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy for assistance. We can discuss your legal options in a free consultation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs and you only pay for our legal services if we help you recover for your claim.