In Australia it is legislated that all cyclists must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, this will give your head some protection in the event an accident occurs. There is currently no legislation stating that your bicycle must pass a safety inspection, especially in the secondhand bicycle market, however, this does not mean that it is not necessary. Cycling can be made safer, and risk of accidents can be reduced by ensuring our bicycle operates optimally. We can start by looking at tyres, the only 2 contact points we have with the terrain we are cycling on. Damaged or worn tyres could easily contribute to a crash or a fall from our bike. Worn out brake pads, faulty hydraulic brakes could lead to us not stopping in time on a descent and end in serious injury to yourself and others. An issue with a drive train could lead to a snapped chain or jammed rear wheel, causing you or a loved one to face road rash or worse. The point we are trying to make is that regular servicing, replacement of worn parts and basic bicycle maintenance can and will improve safety and reduce mechanical failures causes accidents. Support your local bike shop, look for advice on recommendations on the right components for the right terrain and enjoy safer cycling.