2009 4-H University

Bicycle ContestStudy Guide

Identification: Brakes

Identification: Chain

Identification: Chainring

Identification: Crank

Identification: Fork

Identification: Frame

Identification: Handlebars

Identification: Pedal

Identification: Reflectors

Identification: Rim

Identification: Seat

Identification: Spokes

Identification: Tire

Identification: Valve Stem

Identification: Stop Sign

Identification: One Way Sign

Identification: Yield Sign

Identification: Slow Children at Play

Identification: Railroad Crossing Sign

Identification: School Crossing Sign

Identification: Turn Left Sign

Identification: No Bikes Allowed Sign

Making Right Turns• Scan for traffic• Put your left arm out with elbow bent upward,

or use your right arm and point to the right.• Look left, look right, then, look left again.• If it is safe, turn right, start pedaling and stay

to the right.

Making Left Turns• Get off bicycle and look left, look right then,

look left again.• When there is no traffic, walk your bike across

the street.• At the corner, look left, right, left and right

again.• When there is no traffic, walk across next

street.

Making Left Turns, cont.• Scan and start pedaling.• Continue your ride.• When turning left on a road signal, put your

left arm out and keep it straight, pointing to the left.

Slowing Down• When you slow down or stop, put out your left

arm and bend your elbow down.

Visual HazardsVisual hazards can be:

• Bushes• Trees• Large signs• Parked vehicles• Bright lights• Glare from the sun

These hazards can keep you from seeing what you need to see to avoid crashes.

Surface HazardsSurface hazards can be:

• Rocks• Trash• Potholes• Drain grates• Railroad tracks• Broken glass

Surface hazards are things that can make you crash if you run over them.

Moving HazardsMoving hazards can be:

• Cars or trucks• People• Dogs• Trains or buses• Motorcycles• Or, anything that can cross your path

DefinitionsAir Pressure -- the force of air in bicycle tires

that holds up your bicycle and you.Balance – adapting body position to steady

bicycle and keep it upright without falling.Cyclist -- someone who rides a bicycle.Brake – part that stops or slows a wheel.Buddy system – doing tasks in pairs.

Definitions, cont.Chain – linked metal rope that connects the

chain wheel to the back wheel.Ear straps – back and front straps of a helmet.Handlebar – bar for steering a bicycle.Hazard – a possible source of danger.Helmet – protective head covering made of hard

material.

Definitions, cont.Intersection – place where two roads meet or

cross.Lubricant – substance that reduces friction, heat

and wear.Map – representation of a region or area.Pedestrian – person walking.Predictable – acting so that people know

what you are going to do.

Definitions, cont.Prevent – to keep from happening.Rideout – to ride into the street without

stopping or looking both ways; your turn to go.

Right turn – Turn from the right lane of one road to the right lane of another road without crossing the centerline of either road.

Definitions, cont.Scanning – quickly looking in all directions while

maintaining one’s balance.Signals – lights, hand movements, auditory

sounds that warn or prepare cyclists and motorists for changes such as stop lights, turn signals, ambulance sirens, etc.

Stop – to come to a complete stand still.

Definitions, cont.Traffic – all cars, vans, buses and trucks moving

along a road.Warning – something that tells of danger.

Protective Gear• Shoes• Gloves• Knee pads• Elbow pads• Helmet• Long pants• Long-sleeved shirts

Selecting a Helmet• Approved by CPSCA.• Is same size as your head.• Fits your head snuggly.• The V of the ear straps should meet just below

your ear with no slack.

Protecting Your Helmet• Keep it stored in a safe place.• Put in a place where nothing can drop on it.• Keep it in a cool spot.• Be sure your name and address are on your

helmet.

Buying a Bicycle• Buy a bicycle that is the right size for you.• Do not buy a bicycle that you will grow in to.• Buy a bicycle with the number of speeds you

want.• Make sure the brakes are adequate for your

age and experience.• Interview someone who knows a lot

about bicycles.

Fitting a Bicycle• There should be one or two inches between

your crotch and the crossbar when you straddle the bike.

• Both feet should touch the ground when you sit on your bike with both hands on the handlebars.

• If bike has handbrakes, make sure you can grasp the brakes hard enough to stopthe bike.

Bicycle Checklist• Seat height – Sit on your bicycle seat and place

one foot on the pedal. Roll forward until the pedal is at its lowest point. There should be a slight bend to your knee.

• Seat angle -- make sure seat is level so that you don’t slip forward or backward when riding.

Bicycle Checklist, cont.• Handlebars – Adjust the height of your handlebars

so that you don’t have to stretch too far to put your hands on the handlebars. There should be a slight bend in your elbows and it should feel comfortable.

• Handbrakes – The brake levers should be easy to reach. When you squeeze the brake, there should be enough room to fit yourthumb between the brake lever andthe handlebar.

ABC Bike Check• A = air pressure in your tires. Make sure there

is enough air in your tires.• B = brakes. Make sure your tires do not move

when the brakes are applied.• C = chain. Make sure the chain is not too

loose.