Sunday, April 27, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Think of it like taking out the trash, feeding the cat, brushing your teeth: A little routine bike maintenance goes a long way.

Tuneups:

If your bike hasn’t been ridden since last summer, it needs a tuneup before it hits the trail or road. Tuneups are recommended every six months, more if you ride a lot. If you can’t do it yourself, take your bike to a reliable bike shop.

Before each ride, check:

Tire pressure

Tires for cracks, peeling, loose valve covers

Shock pressure

Fork pressure

Brakes

Loose parts — if something’s rattling, don’t ride

Chain for frozen links

On-road safety:

Although Pittsburgh might be inching towards bike friendliness, it still has a long way to go. Bike Pittsburgh recommends that street cyclists — whether they’re 7 years old or 70 — keep in mind the following safety tips:

File in behind traffic at red lights (not to the right)

Use hand signals

Make eye contact with motorists

Be aware of people getting in and out of cars

• Don’t pass on the right

Don’t zig-zag through standing traffic

Don’t shoot through intersections

And, of course, wear a helmet

Off-road rules:

Check all gear before you ride

Open trails only — ask before riding on private property

Don’t leave the trails

Leave no ruts or litter

Maintain control, don’t ride too fast for conditions

Passing on the left!” — shout a warning before passing

Yield to passing cyclists

Leave gates as you found them

Stop completely at road crossings

And, of course, wear a helmet

After each ride:

Check tires, again

Clean sweat from frame and seat

Clean sand, dirt, grime from chain, sprockets

Re-lube the chain and remove excess lube

Store in a safe place where the bike won’t fall and spokes won’t be damaged

For more safety tips, road rules, biking danger zones and a lot more of anything you need to know about biking in Pittsburgh, visit www.bike-pgh.org