A The Basics - Cannondale Bicycle Owner's Manual

2.a - the BasiCs
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.
Figure 1. Bicycle Helmet
Your helmet should be:
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
certified (look for the label on the helmet)
• Properly Sized for You
• Properly Fitted to You
• Properly Attached to Your Head!
• Undamaged
ASK YOUR RETAILER FOR HELP
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. 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 eye wear, to protect against airborne
dirt, dust and bugs —tinted when the sun is
bright, clear when it's not.
6. Don't jump with your bike. Jumping a bike,
particularly a BMX or mountain bike, can be fun;
but it can put huge and unpredictable 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.
Increased speed means higher risk.
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