Bike Lock Reviews

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I'm assuming we are talking bicycles, not motorcycles here. If you are looking for safe motorcycling, you may stop here.

There are several things to check before that pedaling away:

1. Make sure the bike is safe to ride. Before a pilot takes off in any kind of airplane, he always goes through a safety check list. It might be a good idea to make up for your bike. This is a good way to model safe riding for your children, also. Give the bike a good visual going over. Are the tires in good shape? Not worn? Not low or flat? Do you have a date when the tube was last patched or replaced? (If your bike uses tubes.) Are all the spokes straight and tight as they should be? Is the chain in good repair? Not rusty or loose? How about the seat? No springs working through the top? Fastened securely on? Are the handle bars secure and responsive? How are the breaks working? Do the pedals have enough rubber on them to avoid the foot slipping off. Are the gears in good working condition?

If you are riding at night, be sure both front and rear lights are working and that there are adequate reflectors on the bike. We will say more about what to wear when biking later, but night riding should include light-colored clothes, more easily seen by car drivers.

While biking outfits are nice, they are not really required. Just make sure that pants and tops fit well. There should not be any parts that can flap or get caught in the chain or gears. Be sure to wear a helmet, preferable with a reflector in case of night riding. Elbow and knee pads are a good option to have. They will be appreciated in any kind of fall. Shoes with laces should be tied snugly, again to avoid tangling in the chain and/or gears. Some shoes are better for bikes than others. I once almost ran down a night bike rider without reflectors, etc. The only thing that saved him was the "laser lights" on his shoes! I couldn't figure out what it was so slowed greatly and prepared to swerve out around it!

Some people like googles if the helmet is open-faced. A good pair of sunglasses could also be considered.

For day riding, slather on some good tanning lotion or sunblock. To protect eyes either sunglasses or some sort of eye shade on the helmet.

Take plenty of liquid along to stay hydrated. A good flashlight, if you are night riding. Pack a small first aid kit somewhere. Snacks are optional. A cell phone is recommended in case you run into trouble.

USA laws require bike riders to go in the same direction as traffic, which makes me nervous! I always feel like someone is sneaking up on me! Nevertheless, obey the law. It helps to choose roads with wide lanes and they should definitely have good shoulders! Nothing like having to swerve quickly onto a soft shoulder when some #@$#! cuts in on you! Always use bicycle lanes if they are provided.

Bikes can be a wonderful, healthy and, not to mention cheap, means of transportation! They are also fun and a great way to spend time with the family. The Dutch are great bikeriders. I once saw a family of five on one bike! It was a two-seater. Both Mom and Dad had a small child belted to their back and a toddler was in the front basket. I'm not sure I would recommend that as safe, especially in the USA! But it sure looked fun!