Pump It Up

If you deflated your tires during winter for better traction or if they have come out of storage looking and feeling a little low, now’s the time to re-inflate them. If you’re not sure how much air to put in, you can find the recommended air pressure on the sidewall of the tire.

This is also a good time to do a quick visual inspection of your tires. Are there any cracks, splits or tears? Are the treads wearing out or uneven? If in doubt, it’s fairly inexpensive to change a tire out instead of risking a blow-out during a ride.

Clean And Lube It

Streets can get messy during springtime. While it may be impossible to keep your bike completely clean, it is a good idea to use a mild cleaner to mop up the majority of the grunge on your bike. Pay attention to each component. Grit can work its way into the moving parts of your bike and damage components that are expensive to repair or replace.

Your bicycle chain requires special care; it’s the most critical part on your bike. Make sure to clean and oil it thoroughly. Use a biodegradable degreaser and then rinse with water. Dry the chain and oil it. The easiest way to apply lubricant evenly is to upend the bike and then add the lubricant to the chain while slowly rotating the pedals. Use a lubricant that is specifically for bikes, don’t use WD-40, it’s a solvent and not a lubricant.

Put A Brake On It

A simple test will give you a good idea how well your brakes are performing. Take a spin around the block and if you can stop within a reasonable distance without having to pull hard on your brake levers, your brakes are still working well. If you have skidded too far, inspect the brake pads – are they worn or looking otherwise damaged?

Next, squeeze the brake lever on your handlebars and watch the brake pads. Are they hitting the rim at the same time? Finally, if the brake cable looks slack, they will need to be adjusted. If you don’t know how to adjust your braking system, have your local bike shop do it for you.

Add A Fender

Between the puddles and the splash of motor vehicles, it’s hard to keep clean and dry in spring. Consider getting full fenders or mud guards. They are inexpensive, come in a variety of colours and styles and are easy to install.

Not a DIYer? Take your bike to your local bike shop for a spring tune-up. The cost is minimal compared to the risk of riding a bike that is not road worthy.

The morning is bright and it looks like a great day to take the bike to work, but hold on, a fresh morning can turn into a spring downpour or snowfall in the blink of an eye - this is Edmonton after all!

Here’s a checklist of things to think about before you get on the road.

Clothing

To stay dry no matter the weather or the road conditions consider a waterproof outer layer – splash pants and jacket. You might also consider some kind of eyewear to avoid getting the spray and dust from passing cars in your eyes.

Lighting

Bike lights help to illuminate your way and also increase your visibility to others on the road – motorists and pedestrians alike!

• While a white headlamp, a red tail lamp and a red rear reflector are mandatory equipment in Edmonton when cycling in the dark, consider adding lights to the front and back of your bike
• Add reflectors such as vests, straps, tape or plastic pieces that affix to your bicycle or clothing
• A flashing LED light can be mounted to the back of your bike to add extra visibility
• A LED light can also be mounted to your helmet or handlebars

Route Conditions

As City crews work through their spring neighbourhood sweeping schedule, cyclists may find many gutters are still full of sand, trash, ice and gravel. To stay safe, ride a half a car length away from the edge of the grunge. Riding over it may puncture your tires or you may skid on it while cornering.

As much fun as it may seem, avoid peddling through puddles. It reduces your road traction and they may contain hidden pitfalls like potholes or ice. However, if you see one along your route:

Report a Pothole

Online Form or call 311

If you switch from the road to one of Edmonton’s many bike trails, be sensitive to spring trail conditions. Riding over muddy and wet trails can permanently damage their condition. It’s best to wait until the mud firms up to avoid tearing up the trail.

If the weather catches you by surprise, remember you can always hop on the bus or take the LRT. Bicycles are allowed on LRTs during off peak hours and many City buses have bike racks. Find a complete list of bus routes with bike racks.

Together

Bike infrastructure increases comfort for both motorists and cyclists, but the rules of the road still need to be followed. Knowing bike route signage helps everyone get along.

Let's get there together