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2.C - off-Road safety
We recommend that children not ride on rough
terrain unless they are accompanied by an adult.
. 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.
. 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 .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.
2.d - Wet WeatheR RidinG
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.
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.
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.
