"The maintenance of the bike, the chain and the tires, all of that is very important," Robillard said. "If you're going to be riding and taking your life into your hands on the streets every morning, I would certainly think that it's worth the investment to get your bike properly maintained, to understand what's important to check before heading off."
As a good rule of thumb, Wentworth recommends the ABC quick check before every ride: Air, Brakes, and Crank (which includes inspecting gears).
Make sure the tires are fully inflated, and to test air pressure, ensure your thumb doesn't sink into the tire when you press it, she said.
Robillard said another reason a daily tire pressure check is so critical is that riders may not be aware they have a slow leak, which could occur after riding over glass, for example.
When it comes to add-ons, Wentworth recommends a fender for the bike, so if conditions are wet or it's raining, you won't get a stripe up the back from spray from the road.
Use paniers that sit on a rack on the back of your bike or wear a backpack - something that keeps any materials you may be carrying away from the wheels, she added.
You're just about ready to roll out, and in addition to your helmet, you're wearing bright clothing to ensure you're visible to motorists. But just how comfortable are you navigating the road on your two-wheeler?
It may sound simple, but the best bet for riding is to do so in a straight line, which makes you visible, predictable and manoeuvrable Wentworth said.
When it comes to riding in traffic, a child is only ready when they are able to do a shoulder check, Robillard said. A good test is to ride behind them and hold up fingers to see if they can spot them.
Riding out of driveways is also a common place for collisions for those around the age of 10 and under, she said.
"It takes time to learn how to control that you're not doing a huge U-ey out into the traffic," Robillard said. "You really have to keep it tight and snug and walk when there's a lot of traffic beside your bike if you haven't acquired those skills yet."
Both Robillard and Wentworth say it is of paramount importance to observe the rules of the road, whether it's stopping at red lights, observing stop signs and signalling turns.
Wentworth said it's key to steer clear of large vehicles and for cyclists to not try to squeeze between a truck and curb if there isn't enough room.
If you're nervous about riding into traffic, don't leave it at that, Wentworth said. She recommends signing up for a course and starting slowly.
"You don't need to ride to work the first time off," she said.
"Try a short trek to the video store. As you slowly get into the habit, it becomes easier."
Cycling is not only an efficient way of getting around but a great way to stay healthy - which means you don't need to carve out extra time to work out, Wentworth said.
"It just becomes part of your everyday routine and you get that little exercise built in as part of your day."
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Tips for adults on bicycle riding safely with a child on board
Barb Wentworth is a bicycle safety planner for the City of Toronto and a national examiner for CAN-BIKE, a cycling education program offering courses to adults and children.
