Bike Park Safety Tips

Crown Mountain Bike Park Safety Tips

Please READ for Your Child’s SAFETY

Helmets: There will be crashes. Always wear a helmet to prevent brain trauma and concussions, and consider a full face helmet for extra protection. Aspen Valley Hospital’s Helmet Program provides free helmet fittings to anyone who already has a helmet and free helmets to community members in need.

Learn more about the Helmet Program

Coaster Brakes: Coaster brakes, where you pedal backwards to stop or slow down, are not safe for use on the Bike Park terrain.

Hand Brakes: Hand brakes are appropriate for the Bike Park terrain; make sure they work well. A rear hand brake only is okay.

Tire Air Pressure: Check the side of the tire for recommended air pressure. Learn more about mountain bike tire pressure below.

Seat Position: Lower the seat so your child can touch his/her feet flat on the ground. Learn more about seat position below.

Handlebars: Make sure handlebars are tight and straight. Learn more about handlebar position below.

Bike Fit: Ask a member of the Bike Park team or a mechanic if your kid’s bike is properly sized.

Bike Maintenance: Get a tune before riding at the start of the season.

Additional Safety Equipment: Consider elbow and shin pads for added protection.

Please take a picture of this list to keep on your phone and share it with your bike park friends.

More About Tire Pressure

Unlike road bike tires that are pumped up so that they have the least amount of surface area contacting the ground, mountain bike tires need less air to create more surface area that touches the ground so your child will have more traction and grip. This is especially important when they are climbing steep terrain or navigating narrow and/or uneven paths. Ask your mechanic or a Bike Park team member to show you what to look for when adjusting the air in your child’s tires.

More About Seat Height

The seat height and position connect the rider to the other two points of contact that steer and connect to the terrain: your feet and your hands. The right combination makes the bike an extension of your child’s body giving them the precision they need to successfully navigate challenging terrain. The more precision they have, and the more grip they have, the safer your child’s ride will be.

More About Hand and Foot Position

Your child’s hands, arms and feet are much, much more instrumental in mountain biking than they are in road biking. The MTB mantra is “heavy feet, light hands” and your mechanic or Bike Park coach can show you how to make the small adjustments in your child’s position to strike the right balance for performance and safety. This will vary with age and skill level.