2009 4-H University
Bicycle Contest
Study 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 Hazards
Visual hazards can be:
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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 Hazards
Surface hazards can be:
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Rocks
Trash
Potholes
Drain grates
Railroad tracks
Broken glass
Surface hazards are things that can make you
crash if you run over them.
Moving Hazards
Moving hazards can be:
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Cars or trucks
People
Dogs
Trains or buses
Motorcycles
Or, anything that can cross your path
Definitions
Air 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
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Shoes
Gloves
Knee pads
Elbow pads
Helmet
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirts
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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
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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 stop
the 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 your
thumb between the brake lever and
the 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.