Night Riding - DAHON Bicycle Owner's Manual

Night Riding

Riding a bicycle at night is many times more
dangerous than riding during the day. A bicy-
clist is very difficult for motorists and pedestri-
ans to see. Therefore, children should never
ride at dawn, at dusk or at night. Adults who
choose to accept the greatly increased risk of
riding at dawn, at dusk or at night need to take
extra care both riding and choosing special-
ized equipment that helps reduce that risk.
Consult your dealer about night riding safety
equipment.
WARNING: Reflectors are not a
substitute for required lights. Riding
at dawn, at dusk, at night or at other times
of poor visibility without an adequate
bicycle lighting system and without
reflectors is dangerous and may result in
EN
serious injury or death.
Bicycle reflectors are designed to pick up and
reflect car lights and streetlights in a way that
may help you to be seen and recognized as a
moving bicyclist.
CAUTION: Check reflectors and their
mounting brackets regularly to make
sure that they are clean, straight, unbroken
and securely mounted. Have your dealer
replace damaged reflectors and straighten
or tighten any that are bent or loose.
If you choose to ride under conditions of poor
visibility, check and be sure you comply with
all local laws about night riding, and take the
46
following strongly recommended additional
precautions:
• Purchase and install a generator or battery
powered head and taillight that meet all
local regulatory requirements and provide
adequate visibility.
• Wear light-colored, reflective clothing and
accessories, such as a reflective vest, re-
flective arm and leg bands, reflective stripes
on your helmet, flashing lights attached to
your body and/or your bicycle.
• Make sure your clothing or anything you
may be carrying on the bicycle does not
obstruct a reflector or light and securely
mounted reflectors.
• Make sure that your bicycle is equipped cor-
rectly with reflectors.
While riding at dawn, at dusk or at night:
• Ride slowly.
• Avoid dark areas and areas of heavy or fast-
moving traffic.
• Avoid road hazards.
If riding in traffic:
• Be predictable. Ride so that drivers can see
you and predict your movements.
• Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the
unexpected.
• Ask your dealer about traffic safety classes
or a good book on bicycle traffic safety.