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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.
2.C: Off Road Safety
We recommend that children not ride on rough terrain unless they
are accompanied by an adult.
1. The variable conditions and hazards of off-road riding require
close attention and specific skills. Start slowly on easier terrain
and build up your skills. If your bike has suspension, the
increased speed you may develop also increases your risk of
losing control and falling. Get to know how to handle your bike
safely before trying increased speed or more difficult terrain.
2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan
to do.
3. Don't ride alone in remote areas. Even when riding with others,
make sure that someone knows where you're going and when
you expect to be back.
4. Always take along some kind of identification, so that people
know who you are in case of an accident; and take along some
cash for food, a cool drink or an emergency phone call.
5. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride in a way that
does not frighten or endanger them, and give them enough
room so that their unexpected moves don't endanger you.
6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong while you're riding
off-road, help may not be close.
7. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with your
bike, read and understand Section 2.F.
Off Road Respect
Obey the local laws regulating where and how you can ride
off-road, and respect private property. You may be sharing the trail
with others — hikers, trail runners, equestrians, and other cyclists.
Respect their rights. Stay on the designated trail. Don't contribute
to erosion by riding in mud or with unnecessary sliding. Don't
disturb the ecosystem by cutting your own trail or shortcut through
vegetation or streams. It is your responsibility to minimize your
impact on the environment. Leave things as you found them; and
always take out everything you brought in.
2.D: Wet Weather Riding
WARNING!
Wet weather impairs traction, braking and visibility, both for the
bicyclist and for other vehicles sharing the road. The risk of an
accident is dramatically increased in wet conditions.
Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your brakes (as well
as the brakes of other vehicles sharing the road) is dramatically
reduced and your tires don't grip nearly as well. This makes it
harder to control speed and easier to lose control. To make sure
that you can slow down and stop safely in wet conditions, ride
more slowly and apply your brakes earlier and more gradually than
you would under normal, dry conditions. See also Section 4.C.
Hybrid 1
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