11
AVOID UNSAFE OR HARMFUL CONDITIONS
Bicycles are not designed to be used in all conditions. Be careful when riding in wet conditions
No brakes, whatever their design, work as effectively in wet weather as they do in dry. Even
properly aligned, lubricated, and maintained brakes require greater lever pressure and longer
stopping distances in wet weather; anticipate the extra distance it will take to stop.
Wet weather causes reduced visibility for both you and motorists, and reduced traction. Use
slower cornering when traction is reduced, like when riding over wet leaves, painted
crosswalks, or manhole covers.
Avoid introducing water to any bearings of your bicycle.
The metal bearings in your bicycle
allow the parts to rotate smoothly. Water in contact with metal causes corrosion, which will
make the bearings lose their smoothness. If any bearings on your bicycle get submerged in
water, take your bicycle to a professional for service.
Avoid high-pressure washing systems, like those at most car washes. The high pressure may
force water into the bearings.
As with anything mechanical, every part of a bicycle has a limited useful life due to wear. Avoid
riding in a manner that is beyond the design of your bicycle, and avoid riding practices that
increase stress and fatigue.
Do not use unsafe riding practices
Do not ride "no hands." The slightest road imperfection could initiate a wheel shimmy or cause
the front wheel to turn unexpectedly.
Do not ride with a loose object attached to the handlebar or any other part of the bicycle. It
could get caught in the wheel spokes, cause the handlebar to turn unexpectedly, or in other
ways cause loss of control.
Do not ride while intoxicated or while using medications which might make you drowsy.
Bicycles require good coordination to ride in control, and riders must be alert for hazards.
Do not "ride double." Standard bicycles are not designed to carry the additional load of a
second rider. Also, extra weight makes a bicycle much harder to balance, steer, and stop.
Do not ride with headphones or anything else which might prevent you from hearing traffic
noise. In some areas, riding with headphones is illegal. In all areas, being aware of traffic is an
important part of bicycle safety.
