Flat Repair and Safety Clinic offered by Outdoor Addictions
On Wednesday May 19 staff from the VIHA Public Health Unit participated in a Flat Repair and Safety Clinic facilitated by Dan Clements of Outdoor Addictions. Why you ask? They are getting ready for this year’s Bike To Work Week, May 31-June 6. At this clinic they learned how to change a flat tire, the essentials for riding to work and how to do a pre-ride safety check on their bikes.
Clements suggests the following are the bare essentials you need when riding to work
• Spare tube
• Tire levers
• Pump or tire inflation device
• Helmet
• If riding at dusk or dawn- front and rear lights
Some nice to have gear while riding to work are
• Rain and/or wind protection
• Eye protection with sufficient eye coverage
• Gloves
• Water or other hydration fluids
Clements also suggests you check that your bike is safe to ride before every ride. The parts of your bike he suggests to check are
• The seat post and seat- make sure the bolts under the seat are tight
• Handlebars- make sure they are tight
• Brakes are in good working order
• Your tires have good pressure- you should put air in your tires before every ride
• If you are unsure your bike is safe, take it to a professional for a safety check
If your workplace is interested in having your own Flat Repair and Safety check, contact Dan Clements at Outdoor Addictions, 250-286-1184, dan@outdooraddictions.ca to make an appointment
Photo: Staff from VIHA Public Health learning how to change a flat tire and perform safety checks on their bike.
