Off Road Safety; Wet Weather Riding - Giant Bicycles Owner's 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 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.
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