Essential Tyre Safety for Young Cyclists
Bicycle tyres are vitally important as the sole point of contact with the road, making their proper condition absolutely crucial for a safe, efficient, and confident ride. TyreSafe, in partnership with Bikeability, champions the teaching of basic tyre checks early on, not just for immediate safety but also to instil responsibility and develop habits that will be invaluable for general tyre safety in later life.
Squish, Scan, Spin, Seal
Here’s a more detailed look at the four key tyre safety checks
1. Tyre Pressure (The “Squish” Test)
Why it’s important
Correct tyre pressure is fundamental for a good cycling experience.
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, making pedalling harder and slower, and significantly raise the risk of pinch punctures (where the tube gets pinched between the rim and the ground, often from hitting a kerb or pothole). They also lead to sluggish handling.
Over-inflated tyres can result in a harsh, uncomfortable ride as they absorb less shock. They also reduce the tyre’s contact patch with the road, potentially decreasing grip, especially in wet conditions, and increasing the risk of bursting if over-pressured.
How to check
The Thumb Press
A quick initial check. Press firmly on the tyre with your thumb. It should feel very firm with only a slight amount of give. If it feels soft or squishy, it definitely needs air.
The Pressure Gauge (Recommended)
For accuracy, use a proper tyre pressure gauge (often built into a good bike pump). Every tyre has a recommended pressure range printed on its sidewall (e.g., “MIN 30 PSI / MAX 50 PSI” or “2.0-3.5 BAR”). Always aim for a pressure within this range. For most children’s bikes, 30-50 PSI is a common guideline, but check the specific tyre for the most accurate information.
Pumping
Ensure you have the correct pump head for your valve type (Schrader valves, like car tyres, or Presta valves, which are thinner and have a small nut to open).
Action
If pressure is low, inflate to the recommended PSI. If it drops quickly, there might be a puncture or a leaking valve.
2. Visible Damage (The “Scan” Test)
Why it’s important
Damaged tyres can lead to sudden flats, loss of control, or even dangerous blowouts, especially at speed.
How to check
Slow Rotation
Lift each wheel off the ground and slowly rotate it, carefully inspecting the entire surface of the tyre.
Look for
Cuts and Cracks – Deep cuts in the sidewall or tread indicate structural weakness. Cracks often appear on older or sun-damaged tyres.
Bulges or Lumps – These suggest that the tyre’s internal structure (casing) has been compromised, creating a weak spot that could burst.
Embedded Objects – Look for small pieces of glass, thorns, sharp stones, or metal shards stuck in the tread. These can work their way through the tyre over time and cause a puncture.
Worn Treads – Just like car tyres, bike tyres have a tread pattern. If the central part of the tread is completely worn smooth, or if the tyre looks noticeably flat across its profile, it’s losing grip and needs replacing. Some tyres even have “wear indicators” – small dimples or lines that disappear when the tyre is worn out.
Action
Carefully remove any embedded objects with pliers or tweezers.
Significant cuts, cracks, bulges, or severely worn treads mean the tyre needs immediate replacement. Do not ride on a compromised tyre.
3. Wheel Alignment (The “Spin” Test)
Why it’s important
A misaligned wheel can cause instability, making the bike difficult to control. It can also cause the tyre to rub against the brake pads or frame, leading to friction, wear, and reduced braking performance.
How to check
Lift and Spin: Lift the front wheel off the ground and give it a good spin. Watch it from directly in front and above. Repeat for the rear wheel.
Look for
Wobbling – The wheel rim should spin smoothly and stay relatively straight within the fork or frame. If it wobbles significantly from side to side, it’s out of true.
Rubbing – Listen for any rubbing noises and visually check if the tyre or rim is consistently rubbing against the brake pads or any part of the frame as it spins.
Action
Minor wobbles might be acceptable for very young children’s bikes, but any significant wobble or consistent rubbing indicates the wheel needs “truing” (adjusting the spoke tension to straighten the rim). This is a job best left to a professional bike mechanic.
4. Tyre Valves (The “Seal” Test)
Why it’s important
The valve is where air goes in and stays in. A loose, damaged, or faulty valve is a common cause of slow air leaks, leading to flat tyres.
How to check
Security – Ensure the valve stem is straight and firmly seated in the rim hole. If it wiggles excessively, it could indicate a problem with the tube or valve.
Valve Cap – Make sure the valve cap is present and screwed on securely. While it doesn’t hold air, it protects the valve mechanism from dirt and damage.
Valve Nut (Presta only) – If using Presta valves, ensure the small knurled nut at the top of the valve stem is tightened down after inflation to seal the valve.
Listen for Leaks – You can sometimes hear a faint hiss from a leaking valve. For a more definitive check, apply a small amount of soapy water around the valve stem – if bubbles form, you have a leak.
Action
If the valve core (the removable part of the valve stem) is loose, try tightening it gently with a valve core tool (or pliers for Schrader valves, if careful).
If the valve itself is bent, cracked, or consistently leaking, the inner tube (and thus the valve) will need to be replaced.
TyreSafe Partners with Bikeability
Bikeability is the UK government’s nationally recognised cycle training program, similar to cycling proficiency but updated for modern roads.
Its core mission is to equip everyone with the competence and confidence to cycle more safely and more often, aiming to make cycling the norm for short journeys.
Since its inception in 2007, over 5 million children have benefited from this training.
Bikeability training is delivered by qualified National Standard Instructors, often during school hours or in community settings.
The program is funded by the Department for Transport, with The Bikeability Trust administering the funding to councils and partners.
TyreSafe acknowledges the help and support of the Bikeability in the compilation of this advice.
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