Cycling

People in the Netherlands cycle a lot. A safe bike forms the basis for cycling safely. So it is very important that your bicycle is in good condition! But when is your bicycle safe? What do you have to pay attention to? Veilig Verkeer Nederland, a Dutch organisation that promotes road safety, has made a checklist to see if your bike is safe. A safe bicycle complies to the following points:

1. The handlebar is properly secured.
2. The bell is clearly audible.
3. The grips are firmly attached to the handlebar and are intact.
4. The bike must have good brakes: back-pedal brake or hand brakes. In the case of hand brakes, both wheels should be able to brake properly.
5. The headlight works well, shines straight ahead and gives white or yellow light. It is not allowed to be flashing.
6. The spokes in both wheels are tight and there are no missing spokes.
7. Side reflectors: the tyres have circular reflectors or there are white or yellow reflectors on the wheels, at least one per wheel.
8. The tyres are well inflated and have sufficient profile.
9. The saddle is well fastened.
10. The saddle is adjusted to the right height: You can just touch the ground with both feet (toes) when sitting on the saddle.
11. The pedals are grippy enough.
12. Both pedals have two yellow reflectors.
13. The chain is well adjusted; not too loose, not too tight. Tip: Do you have an open chain case and are you wearing wide trousers? Then use a trouser clip or band to prevent the trousers from getting caught in the chain.
14. There is a red reflector on the back of the bike or integrated in the rear light.
15. The rear light works well, shines to the rear and gives red light. It is not allowed to be flashing.