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PART I
1.D - FIRST RIDE
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your first
familiarization ride on your new bicycle, be sure to
pick a controlled environment, away from cars, other
cyclists, obstacles or other hazards. Ride to become
familiar with the controls, features and performance
of your new bike.
Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the
bike (see SECTION 4.C). Test the brakes at slow
speed, putting your weight toward the rear and
gently applying the brakes, rear brake first. Sudden
or excessive application of the front brake could pitch
you over the handlebars. Applying brakes too hard
can lock up a wheel, which could cause you to lose
control and fall. Skidding is an example of what can
happen when a wheel locks up.
If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals, practice
getting in and out of the pedals. See paragraph B.4
above and SECTION 4.E.4.
If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with
how the suspension responds to brake application
and rider weight shifts. See paragraph B.6 above and
SECTION 4.F.
Practice shifting the gears (see SECTION 4.D).
Remember to never move the shifter while pedaling
backward, nor pedal backwards immediately after
having moved the shifter. This could jam the chain
and cause serious damage to the bicycle.
Check out the handling and response of the bike; and
check the comfort.
If you have any questions, or if you feel anything
about the bike is not as it should be, consult your
dealer before you ride.
SECTION 2. SAFETY
WARNING
MANY STATES REQUIRE SPECIFIC SAFETY
DEVICES. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE LAWS OF
THE STATE WHERE YOU RIDE AND TO COMPLY
WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, INCLUDING
PROPERLY EQUIPPING YOURSELF AND YOUR
BIKE AS THE LAW REQUIRES.
Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations.
Observe regulations about bicycle lighting,
licensing of bicycles, riding on sidewalks, laws
regulating bike path and trail use, helmet laws,
child carrier laws, special bicycle traffic laws.
It’s your responsibility to know and obey the
laws.
