MARIN Owner's Manual page 18

RULES FOR RIDING IN TRAFFIC:
The basic rule is that bicycle riders must behave like motorists and fol-
low the same traffic rules as if they were driving a car. In most juris-
dictions, bicycles are recognized as legal vehicles and are subject to
the same rules and laws as automobiles.
Important traffic rules to bear in mind are:
• Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
• Obey traffic signs (stop signs) and signals.
• Be careful when passing automobiles. Motorists are not used to
looking for bicycle traffic and sometimes don't signal correctly.
• Use hand signals about 50 feet before turning or stopping. Indicate
the direction you're turning using proper hand signals.
• Ride in a straight line and don't weave in and out of traffic or
between parked cars.
• In slow traffic, ride in the middle of the lane: get into the middle of
the lane at busy intersections or whenever you are moving at the
same speed as the traffic. When traffic is going faster, be courteous
and drive as far to the side of the road as you safely can.
• Be careful at intersections; at a particularly busy intersection you
may need to get off your bicycle and walk it across the intersection
like a pedestrian.
• Don't ride on sidewalks. If you absolutely must, be careful of pedes-
trians and call out your approach if necessary.
The above rules are meant only as guidelines. You are solely respon-
sible for knowing and following the legal requirements for safe
cycling in your community.
C O M M O N S E N S E P R I N C I P L E S
O F S A F E T Y :
Please remember that bicycles are human powered vehicles that are
light in weight. Bicycles do not have a protective structure or a
restraint system to protect you as a car would. Bicycles are not
designed to be crash worthy. Bicycles do not have any systems in
place to protect you in the event of an accident.
While you need to obey all standard traffic rules, it's a good idea to
observe the following safety guidelines as well:
• A bell can be a very effective accessory to make your cycling expe-
rience more enjoyable.
• Your Marin bicycle is not designed to carry more than one person.
• Always assume that motorists don't see you. Try to make eye con-
tact. Be particularly careful in situations where you are entering traf-
fic or where cars are pulling out into traffic (as in and out of drive-
ways).
• Watch out for chasing dogs. Try ignoring them or, if that doesn't
work, use a firm "NO!" If this doesn't help, dismount with the bicy-
cle between you and the dog!
• Avoid road hazards. There's a long list of these: potholes, drain grat-
ings and manhole covers, railroad tracks, etc. Stay alert.
• If you are uncertain, check with local authorities to ensure you
understand all rules that apply to cyclists
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