Off Road Safety; Wet Weather Riding - Giant - V8.0 Manual

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 a couple of dollars in cash for a candy bar, 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, equestrians, 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.
D. Wet Weather Riding
WARNING: Wet weather impairs traction, braking and visibility, both for the cyclist 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.
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