Operation Manual

p. 6
2. sAFety
A. the BAsiCs
WARNING: The area in which you ride may require specific safety devices. It is your responsibility
to familiarize yourself with the laws of the area where you ride and to comply with all applicable
laws, including properly equipping yourself and your bike as the law requires.
Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations. Observe regulations about bicycle lighting,
licensing of bicycles, riding on sidewalks, laws regulating bike path and trail use, helmet
laws, child carrier laws, special bicycle traffic laws. It’s your responsibility to know and
obey the laws.
1. Always wear a cycling helmet which meets the latest certification standards and is appropriate for the type
of riding you do. Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and care of your helmet.
Most serious bicycle injuries involve head injuries which might have been avoided if the rider had worn an
appropriate helmet.
WARNING: Failure to wear a helmet when riding may result in serious injury or death.
2. Always do the Mechanical Safety Check (Section 1.C) before you get on a bike.
3. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your bicycle: brakes (Section 4.C.); pedals (Section 4.E.); shifting
(Section 4.D.)
4. Be careful to keep body parts and other objects away from the sharp teeth of chainrings, the moving chain,
the turning pedals and cranks, and the spinning wheels of your bicycle.
5. Always wear:
 • Shoesthatwillstayonyourfeetandwillgripthepedals.Makesurethatshoelacescannotgetinto
moving parts, and never ride barefoot or in sandals.
 • Bright,visibleclothingthatisnotsoloosethatitcanbetangledinthebicycleorsnaggedbyobjectsatthe
side of the road or trail.
 • Protectiveeyewear,toprotectagainstairbornedirt,dustandbugs—tintedwhenthesunisbright,clear
when it’s not.
6. Unless your bicycle was specifically designed for jumping (See Appendix A, Intended Use) don’t jump with
your bike. Jumping a bike, particularly a BMX or mountain bike, can be fun; but it can put huge and unpredic
table stress on the bicycle and its components. Riders who insist on jumping their bikes risk serious
damage, to their bicycles as well as to themselves. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with
your bike, read and understand Section 2.F.
7. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions. Higher speed means higher risk.