You never truly forget how to ride a bike. But using one with confidence, especially in traffic, can deter many hopeful cyclists.

Julia Earley has some experience in that department. In 2011 she went to Canada for two months to perform plays and conduct bicycle tours with a volunteer group.

"I continued after that, and over the course of a year ended up riding 10,000km in Canada, the US and Mexico," Julia says.

She is known in her friendship circle as the "bike lover" and has even given her bike a name: Carmen.

"I bought Carmen in Seattle ... and have been riding her around town ever since."

As part of our 7 Tips series, where regular people help you learn something new (or lift your game), here are Julia's tips for safe and fun cycling.

Julia's bike, Carmen, has travelled with her all the way from Seattle, US. ( ABC Life: Matt Garrow )

Do your ABCs

"Before you ride, do an ABC check," Julia says.

A is for air — tires should be pumped up to the maximum pressure indicated on the wall of the tyre. If you don't have a pressure gauge on your pump, press down on the tyre with your thumb. Your tyres should be inflated to the point where they don't give when you push them.

— tires should be pumped up to the maximum pressure indicated on the wall of the tyre. If you don't have a pressure gauge on your pump, press down on the tyre with your thumb. Your tyres should be inflated to the point where they don't give when you push them. B is for brakes — while standing next to your bike with both hands on the handlebars, push it forward and apply the brakes. You should be able to easily stop it rolling, without your handbrakes touching the handlebars.

— while standing next to your bike with both hands on the handlebars, push it forward and apply the brakes. You should be able to easily stop it rolling, without your handbrakes touching the handlebars. C is for cranks and chain — your chain should be free of rust and gunk, and your cranks (the arms connecting your pedals to the frame) should not wobble.

Be assertive

Make sure drivers can see you, and clearly signal your movements. ( ABC Life: Matt Garrow )

Ride predictably and follow road rules. It can be difficult for a driver to remain a safe distance if they don't know what you, the rider, are about to do.

"When I was in Mexico City, I was with some locals who taught me that, to survive as cyclists in a city of 25 million people, [you needed] to be very clear about what you're doing," Julia says.

Be clear about your intentions and confident with your movements. And try to make eye contact with drivers and fellow cyclists so they acknowledge your place on the road.

Wear tight and bright clothing

You can also pull your socks over your pants to keep them out of the gears. ( ABC Life: Matt Garrow )

Julia says skinny jeans are "fashion's present to cyclists".

Wear clothes that can't catch in spokes or gears. You can of course still wear that billowy summer skirt or dress — simply tie it up in a knot or with a hair tie to keep it out of your spokes.

And remember, there's no such thing as being too visible: reflective or hi-vis jackets, vests and leg straps are useful, even in the middle of the day. If you're riding at night, front and back lights aren't only a good idea, they're mandatory.

Use the hook turn

Melbourne’s best export, the hook turn. ( Supplied: VicRoads )

Hook turns may be a hallmark of Melbourne traffic, but they're also a safe, effective way to turn right for all bike riders, no matter where you are.

The idea is to avoid trying to battle into the right turning lane from the far left — only to wait to turn from the centre of an intersection while exposed to moving traffic.

Instead, cycle across the intersection to the other side, and wait with the traffic in the far left lane. Once their lights turn green, you can merge into the desired road. No need to wait in No Man's Land for a break in traffic.



Look for tail lights

Getting "doored" and having a car pull out suddenly are common concerns for riders. In Victoria alone, the most recent available statistics show there were 771 car doorings involving bike riders between July 2011 and June 2016.

"My secret tip is to look out for tail lights in cars on the left," Julia says.

They may have just stopped and be about to open their door, or may be about to pull out into traffic.

Keep an eye out for a silhouette in the drivers’ seat, which could be a driver about to swing the door open. ( ABC Life: Matt Garrow )

Don't wear headphones

Riding and music may seem like a match made in heaven, but a lack of situational hearing creates a huge risk.

"Your hearing is really important for having your senses fully alert to the traffic around you. It also helps to notice if there's a problem with your bike," Julia says.

Use mudguards in rain

Riding in wet weather can be better than being sandwiched on a steamy train with your head in someone's armpit. But arriving to work to find mud all up your back is just as bad.

"If you have to ride in wet weather, you can get fenders [mudguards] that will help keep the mud off your clothes and water out of the eyes of the riders behind you," Julia says.

It shouldn't hurt

Riding should be an enjoyable experience, but an uncomfortable seat can leave you wondering who invented this torture device.

All bike seats are different, but it's commonly accepted that your seat should be completely level, and your weight should be resting on your "sit bones".

Don't fall victim to crotch pain. Use those butt bones. ( ABC Life: Matt Garrow )

And finally...

When you've reached your destination, Julia recommends securing your bike with a D-lock, which are more resistant to theft.

"The best part about riding is there's always a parking spot right out the front," she says.