Avoid the Five Biggest Bike Problems Before Riding in Sacramento, California | Culture and Society

By BISNARCHASE
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Sacramento, California is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. With miles of off-street bikeways surrounding the city and on-street bikeways throughout the downtown center, cyclists can get anywhere they need to go in a safe manner. However, there are still over 200 bike accidents reported each year in Sacramento-some of which are caused by faulty manufacturing.

If you're like most cyclists in Sacramento, you just want to jump on your bike and start peddling when you're ready to go. However, if you fail to inspect your bicycle on a regular basis, you might increase your risk for a bike accident.

Here are five things you should inspect every time you ride your bicycle-but don't worry, it won't take any more than 30 seconds to make sure your bike is in good working condition so you can ride safely in Sacramento:

1. Tires and Wheels-Before you ride, you should make sure your tires are in good condition. Make sure they are inflated and don't have any damage on them as either of these issues could cause a serious bike accident. You also need to inspect the nuts or quick release mechanism that holds your wheel into place to make sure it is secure.

2. Brakes-You should squeeze your brake levers to ensure they are capable of stopping your bike. If the cables are frayed or stretched, you could lose control and get in a bike accident. You should also make sure the brake pads tighten on the rims and not the tires, as this will limit tire wear and lead to a cleaner stop.

3. Seat Posts and Handlebars-Inspect your seat to make sure it is secure and at the proper height. Also, check your handlebars to make sure they aren't loose. Nothing could be more dangerous while cycling in Sacramento than having handlebars that are unable to steer correctly.

4. Helmet and Safety Gear-Next, you'll want to make sure your helmet isn't damaged and that it fits properly. Other safety gear that you may need (depending on the conditions) include a headlamp, gloves, front light, flashing red rear light and reflective clothing. If you are unsure about the conditions, it is always best to be over-prepared.

5. Chain and Gears-Lastly, once you get on your bike, you should make sure your gears shift correctly and that your chain turns smoothly through your front and rear sprockets without hitting the derailleur. If your bike is shifting roughly or the chain is slipping, you should make sure there is no excess grime and that it is sufficiently lubricated.

There are many things that can go wrong with a bicycle. While you cannot always control whether you are in a bike accident or not, a routine maintenance can greatly reduce your risk of riding in Sacramento. It won't take more than 30 seconds to make sure your bike is safe - a small price to pay for something that could potentially save your life.

However, if you are even in a bike accident in Sacramento and feel there was something wrong with your bicycle, you need to find a proven personal injury lawyer. An attorney specializing in bike accidents can help you assess, file, and win your claim so you can receive the full compensation the law and circumstances allow.

About the Author

John Bisnar is the founding partner of the Bisnar Chase personal injury law firm and creator of BestAttorney.com. He is a leader and innovator in law office management, marketing and the creation of the "Client Experience".Visit http://www.Accidentinjuryattorneyscalifornia.com or call 888-265-0161.

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