Safety and your bike

Safe needn't mean not being cool. You do not have to ride a boring bike to be safe. But you do need one that is the right size and fitted with the right equipment.

Choose the right size
Whether it is a mountain bike, BMX, racing cycle or a cruiser, it is important to get one that allows you to ride, and stop, safely. There are four things you must be able to do:

sit on the saddle, with the 'balls'* of BOTH feet touching the ground

stand above the cross bar (the one at the top) with BOTH feet FLAT on the ground

reach BOTH handlebars when on the saddle, even with the handlebars turned to the side

easily grip and close the brakes.

* When your foot is bent in the middle and your toes are on the ground

If you can't do all these, then you will not be able to steer, steady yourself, or stop safely. Not the best way to ride!