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If you choose to ride under conditions of poor visibility, always check
to ensure you comply with local laws pertaining to riding a bicycle
at night and take the following strongly recommended additional
precautions:
• Make sure your bicycle’s lighting system is operating properly, is
correctly positioned and securely mounted (see Section 4.8)
• Always wear reflective and brightly coloured clothing and
accessories such as reflective vest, reflective arm and leg bands,
and reflective strips on your helmet*. Any reflective device and
bright lighting systems will help attract attention from motorist,
pedestrians or other cyclists on the road.
• Ensure that none of your clothing or accessories are obstructing
light fixtures or reflective pieces.
*
Note:
Please check your certified helmet manufacturer’s warranty
details to ensure that adding a reflective strip does not void the
warranty before attaching anything to your helmet. If in doubt,
contact your local dealer for assistance.
While riding at dusk, dawn or in conditions of poor visibility, ride
safely and cautiously. Avoid dark areas or areas with heavy or fast-
moving traffic. Avoid road hazards and if possible, ride on familiar
routes. If this is not possible, try to find well-lit routes with minimal
traffic.
2.6
EFFICIENT RIDING TECHNIQUE
Enjoying your ride is directly associated with ensuring you have
sufficient energy throughout the duration of your ride. It is important
to learn to ride efficiently. You may have noticed that experienced
bicycle riders look smooth and relaxed as they pedal, legs turning
circles, almost flowing, which is a good indicator that they are using
their energy efficiently. By riding smoothly, you will have more energy
and better control of your bike. Here are some tips to keep in mind or
even visualize while riding:
• Both road and off-road riders need to strive to keep their upper
body relaxed and relatively free of movement (e.g., hips should
not be rocking side to side) except if you dismount or stand on the
pedals to climb a hill.
• Remain on your seat as much as possible – standing on the pedals
can burn more energy than while remaining mounted on the saddle.
• Remember to breathe! Learn proper breathing techniques when
riding hard or climbing hills to help keep your muscles fresh and
your mind focused.
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