Operation Manual

p.7
B. riDing sAFety
1. Obey all Rules of the Road and all local traffic laws.
2. Youaresharingtheroadorthepathwithothers—motorists,pedestriansandothercyclists.Respecttheirrights.
3. Ride defensively. Always assume that others do not see you.
4. Lookahead,andbereadytoavoid:
 • Vehiclesslowingorturning,enteringtheroadoryourlaneaheadofyou,orcomingupbehindyou.
 • Parkedcardoorsopening.
 • Pedestrianssteppingout.
 • Childrenorpetsplayingneartheroad.
 • Potholes,sewergrating,railroadtracks,expansionjoints,roadorsidewalkconstruction,debrisandother
obstructions that could cause you to swerve into traffic, catch your wheel or cause you to have an accident.
 • Themanyotherhazardsanddistractionswhichcanoccuronabicycleride.
5. Ride in designated bike lanes, on designated bike paths or as close to the edge of the road as possible, in the
direction of traffic flow or as directed by local governing laws.
6. Stop at stop signs and traffic lights; slow down and look both ways at street intersections. Remember that
a bicycle always loses in a collision with a motor vehicle, so be prepared to yield even if you have the right of
way.
7. Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping.
8. Never ride with headphones. They mask traffic sounds and emergency vehicle sirens, distract you from
concentrating on what’s going on around you, and their wires can tangle in the moving parts of the bicycle,
causing you to lose control.
9. Never carry a passenger; and, before installing a child carrier or trailer, check with your dealer or the bicycle
manufacturer to make sure the bicycle is designed for it. If the bicycle is suitable for a child carrier or trailer,
make sure that the carrier or trailer is correctly mounted and the child is secured and wearing an approved
helmet.
10. Never carry anything which obstructs your vision or your complete control of the bicycle, or which could
become entangled in the moving parts of the bicycle.
11. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another vehicle.
12. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you intend to do stunts, wheelies, jumps or go racing with your bike
despite our advice not to, read Section 2.F, Downhill, Stunt or Competition Biking, now. Think carefully about
your skills before deciding to take the large risks that go with this kind of riding.
13. Don’t weave through traffic or make any moves that may surprise people with whom you are sharing the
road.
14. Observe and yield the right of way.
15. Never ride your bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
16. If possible, avoid riding in bad weather, when visibility is obscured, at dawn, dusk or in the dark, or when
extremely tired. Each of these conditions increases the risk of accident.