Safe Cycle Checklist

To cover the major points that need checking look at the side of the bike and work along an imaginary letter ‘M’ from front to back as per the checklist below.

Part / Check / Safe / Unsafe
Front wheel quick release / Closes tightly and flat against frame
Front wheel hub / Cones adjusted properly, no sideways play
Front wheel rim / True, no cracks, no loose / broken spokes
Front tyre / Good tread, correct pressure, no gaps/cuts/bulge
Front brake / Stops bike, blocks in line with rim + not worn out
Steering / Not too tight or too loose(fork judders on braking)
Headset / No play, turns freely
Stem / Tight, in line with front wheel
Handlebars / Tight (no tilt/rotate/side movement)
Bar ends / Plugged or covered
Brake levers / Secure, do not touch handlebars when applied
Gear levers / Securely fixed
Pedals / Turn freely
Cranks / Not loose
Bottom bracket / Turns freely, no play
Chain / Oiled, nochain jump due to stiff links
Seat post / Not loose; not over max height limit
Saddle / Not loose; straight and horizontal
Back brake / Stops bike, blocks in line with rim + not worn out
Back tyre / Good tread, correct pressure, no gaps/cuts/bulge
Back wheel rim / True, no cracks, no loose/broken spokes
Back wheel hub / No sideways play
Back wheel quick release / Closes tightly and flat against frame
Cable (brakes) / Not frayed(above clamp nut / between lever + brake body)
Gears + gear cable / Gears change through full range; cable not frayed
Reflectors (mandatory ones) / At rear and on pedals (front and wheel ones are optional)
Accessories
eg mudguards; racks; lights; bell; pump; optional reflectors / All securely fixed and in an appropriate place
Lights work (lights are compulsory for night riding)
Frame + fork / Paint not wrinkled; tubes and forks not bent
Overall comments

RideWise Ltd, c/o Lenton Centre, Willoughby St, Lenton, Nottingham NG7 1RQ