User guide

17
b. Riding Safety
Below are detailed guidelines according to the NHSTA (National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration)
on bicycle safety
 Protect Your Head: Wear a Helmet - Never ride a bicycle without wearing a properly fitted helmet. Helmets
are proven to be 85-88 percent effective in preventing traumatic brain injury, the primary cause of death and
disabling injuries resulting from cycling crashes. Wear a helmet that meets the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) standard (see inside of helmet for presence of a label).
 Assure Bicycle Readiness: Ensure Proper Size and Function of Bicycle - Make sure the bicycle fits you:
Stand over the top of the G Plus Genesis bicycle – there should be minimum 3 inches of clearance from the
frame bar. Seat height — as previously mentioned, with the ball of your foot on the pedal, the fully extended
leg should have a slight bend. Check all parts of the bicycle to make sure they are secure and working well:
The Handlebar should be firmly in place and turns easily. The wheels must be straight and secure; the quick
release rear axle must be secured.
 Stop It: Always Check Brakes Before Riding - Always control your speed by using your brakes. Apply the
rear brake slightly before the front brake. Always keep your brakes adjusted. If you cannot stop quickly,
adjust your brakes. Review Chapter 7 “Maintenance and Replacement” section c “Brake adjustments” to
adjust the brakes. When your hand brake levers are fully applied, they should not touch the handlebars. Ride
slowly in wet weather and apply your brakes earlier, it takes more distance to stop.
 See and Be Seen - Wear clothes that make you more visible. Always wear neon, florescent, or other bright
colors when riding a bicycle.
 Avoid Biking at Night - It is far more dangerous to bicycle at night than during the day. The G Plus Genesis
requires LED lights for night time riding. If you must ride at night, you should also do the following: wear
retro-reflective clothing or material, not just white or florescent, especially on your ankles, wrists, back, and
helmet. Only ride in areas familiar to you. Brightly lit streets are best. Always assume you are not seen by a
driver. Children should NOT ride at night.
 Go With the Flow: The Safe Way is the RIGHT Way - Ride on the right side in a straight, predictable path.
Always go single file in the same direction as other vehicles. Riding against traffic puts you where motorists
don't expect you. They may not see you, and may pull across your path, or turn into you.
 Check for Traffic: Always Be Aware of the Traffic Around You - Over 70 percent of car-bicycle crashes
occur at driveways or other intersections. Before you enter any street or intersection, check for traffic. Always
look left-right-left, and walk your bicycle into the street to begin your ride. If you are already in the street,
always look behind you for a break-in traffic, then signal before going left or right. Watch for left or right
turning traffic.
 Learn Rules of The Road: Obey Traffic Laws - Bicycles are considered vehicles. Bicyclists must obey the
same rules as motorists. Read your State drivers handbook, and learn and follow all the traffic signs, laws,
and rules for operating a vehicle on the road. Always signal your moves. Be courteous to pedestrians and
other vehicle operators. Never wear headphones while riding as they impair your ability to hear traffic.
Become familiar with the accommodations that are available for bicyclists in your area. These include bicycle
lanes and routes as well as off-road paths. Take advantage of these whenever possible.
 “Drive” with Care: Share the Road - When you ride, consider yourself the driver of a vehicle and always
keep safety in mind. Choose to ride in the bike lane, if available. If the roadway or bike lane is wide, ride to
the right; if the lane is narrow, you may choose to ride in the middle of the lane. Take extra precautions when
riding on a roadway. Bicycles are smaller than automobiles, and don’t protect the operator like an
automobile. You should: Make eye contact, smile, or wave to communicate with motorists. Courtesy and
predictability are a key to safe cycling; Be considerate and aware of motorists and pedestrians. Learn to
anticipate their actions. Remember, pedestrians have the right of way; Ride far enough away from the curb
to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (i.e. opening doors or drivers pulling out without checking); Keep
control of your bicycle: look behind you while maintaining your bicycle in a straight path; be able to ride with
one hand on the handlebars and signal a turn. (Practice these skills in a parking lot); Always look over your
shoulder, and if possible, signal before changing lanes; Make sure that books, clothes, and other items are
securely attached to the bicycle or carried in a backpack; and Use bells, horns, or your voice to alert
pedestrians and bicyclists that you are approaching or passing.
 Stay Focused: Stay Alert - Never wear headphones; they hinder your ability to hear traffic. Always look for
obstacles in your path (potholes, cracks, expansion joints, railroad tracks, wet leaves, drainage grates, or
anything that could make you fall). Before going around any object, scan ahead and behind you for a gap in
traffic, signal your intentions to move, and then follow through with your intentions. Be aware of the traffic
around you. Ride defensively. Use extra care when riding in wet weather, ice, frost, or snow. Slow your
speed and allow extra time and space to stop. Use extra care when crossing bridges which are extra slippery
under wet conditions. Use caution when crossing a railroad track; cross tracks at a 90-degree angle and
proceed slowly.