D: First Ride; 2: Safety; A: The Basics - Schwinn Hybrid Owner's Manual

1 Safety

1.D: First Ride

When you buckle on your helmet and go for your first
familiarization ride on your new bicycle, be sure to pick a
controlled environment, away from cars, other cyclists, obstacles
or other hazards. Ride to become familiar with the controls,
features and performance of your new bike.
Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the bike (see Section
4.C). Test the brakes at slow speed, putting your weight toward the
rear and gently applying the brakes, rear brake first. Sudden or
excessive application of the front brake could pitch you over the
handlebars. Applying brakes too hard can lock up a wheel, which
could cause you to lose control and fall. Skidding is an example of
what can happen when a wheel locks up.
If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals, practice getting in and
out of the pedals. See paragraph above and Section 4.E.
If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how the
suspension responds to brake application and rider weight shifts.
See paragraph B.6 above and Section 4.F.
Practice shifting the gears (see Section 4.D). Remember to never
move the shifter while pedaling backward, nor pedal backwards
immediately after having moved the shifter. This could jam the
chain and cause serious damage to the bicycle.
Check out the handling and response of the bike; and check the
comfort.
If you have any questions, or if you feel anything about the bike is
not as it should be, Contact customer service before you ride again.
6

2: SAFETY

2.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 that 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 that 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.