Safety check before setting off on your bicycle:-

• When applying the brakes, do they stop the bicycle when its pushed forwards and backwards?
• Wheels, are they secure, spin freely?
• Tyres, correct pressure, any foreign objects or cuts?
• Handle bars, brake levers and headset all secure?
• Pedals spin freely?
• Bottom bracket and cranks no sideways movement ?

These simple checks don't take long and can make you aware of any gradual deterioration in the performance of your bicycle.