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Notes on safe use of public roads
As a cyclist, you are at a disadvantage on the road.
Please be aware of this. A bike does not have any
crumple zones. An accident may cause serious
personal injury. For this reason, always exercise
extreme caution when riding and attempt to anticipate
and avoid risks. Expect other road users to make
mistakes.
Tips for using public roads
– Check your bike is functioning properly and in a
road-worthy condition prior to use.
– Ride with respect and foresight. Do not place
yourself and other road users in unnecessary
danger.
–
Please familiarise yourself with the appropriate
rules and regulations concerning use of your bike
on the public roads.
– Do not listen to music with earphones and do
not use a phone while riding. This distracts you
from the traffic so that you may not recognise
risks in time.
– Maintain a safe distance to vehicles in front of you
as they generally have a shorter braking distance
than you do.
– Please keep in mind that wet roads reduce the
effectiveness of your brakes, meaning that you will
require a longer braking distance before coming
to a stop. Wet roads also impair cornering. Adjust
your speed for a safe ride.
– You should turn on your bike lights when riding
in adverse weather conditions and conditions with
poor visibility.
– To improve your visibility, wear bright, noticeable
clothing. Wear tight-fitting leg wear, bands or cycle
clips to prevent your legwear from catching in the
derailleur. Wear a helmet and protective glasses for
your safety.
– The following traffic points and situations pose an
increased accident risk. Exercise extreme caution:
– At intersections even if the bike path runs
parallel to the lane. There is a risk of vehicles
turning across the bike path.
– When crossing tracks.
– When you are in a vehicle’s blind spot and
the driver is unable to see you.
– On bike paths when dogs, children or
pedestrians unconsciously change sides.
Notes on off-road cycling
Today, bikes enjoy widespread popularity when it
comes to leisure activities and recreation in a natural
setting. Even when riding in parks and on forest roads,
you should follow a few rules to protect the natural
world and avoid conflicts between cyclists and hikers.
Only ride on designated paths and roads. Protect the
animal and plant world. Do not ride across pastures,
fields or waterways, nor directly through the forest.
Do not apply full brakes and do not leave any braking
tracks.
Adjust your speed to suit the terrain and your riding
abilities.
Be aware of pedestrians and hikers. Reduce your
speed particularly in areas with reduced visibility and
when travelling downhill; be ready to brake at all times.
Use designated waste bins for your refuse; if none are
provided, make sure that you take your refuse home
with you. Please leave the outdoors as you found
them.
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Mountain bikers can find more information
from the International Mountain Bicycling Association
[ www.imba.com ].
Never overestimate your skills. Condition and proper
cycling technique cannot be acquired overnight.
Start off slowly and only increase the difficulty in sensi-
ble increments. Many situations and tour lengths re-
quire years of training.
The information in this owner’s manual is not suitable
for teaching you how to cycle and also does not refer
to all rules of conduct when using public roads.
