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Periodically inspect frame, fork, spindles and other components for cracking.
Parts should be adjusted to manufacturer's torque specifications.
Inflate tires to recommended pressure, and replace worn tires.
Lightly oil and clean moving parts. Keep oil off rubber.
Keep bicycle indoors when not in use.
b.
Riding safety
Below are guidelines according to the NHSTA (National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration) on bicycle safety.
Protect Your Head: Wear a Helmet -
Never ride a bicycle without wearing a properly fitted helmet. Helmets are
proven to be 85-88 percent effective in preventing traumatic brain injury, the primary cause of death and disabling
injuries resulting from cycling crashes. Wear a helmet that meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) standard (see inside of helmet for presence of a label).
Assure Bicycle Readiness: Ensure Proper Size and Function of Bicycle -
Make sure the bicycle fits you: Stand
over the top of the Storm bicycle
– there should be minimum 3 inches of clearance from the frame bar. Seat height —
as previously mentioned, with the ball of your foot on the pedal, the fully extended leg should have a slight bend.
Check all parts of the bicycle to make sure they are secure and working well: The Handlebar should be firmly in place
and turns easily. The wheels must be straight and secure; the quick release rear axle must be secured.
Stop It: Always Check Brakes Before Riding -
Always control your speed by using your brakes. Apply the rear
brake slightly before the front brake. Always keep your brakes adjusted. If you cannot stop quickly, adjust your brakes.
Review Chapter 7 ―Maintenance and Replacement‖ section c ―Brake adjustments‖ to adjust the brakes. When your
hand brake levers are fully applied, they should not touch the handlebars. Ride slowly in wet weather and apply your
brakes earlier, it takes more distance to stop.
See and Be Seen -
Wear clothes that make you more visible. Always wear neon, florescent, or other bright colors
when riding a bicycle.
Avoid Biking at Night -
It is far more dangerous to bicycle at night than during the day. The Storm requires LED lights
for night time riding. If you must ride at night, you should also do the following: wear retro-reflective clothing or material,
not just white or florescent, especially on your ankles, wrists, back, and helmet. Only ride in areas familiar to you.
Brightly lit streets are best. Always assume you are not seen by a driver. Children should NOT ride at night.
Go With the Flow: The Safe Way is the RIGHT Way -
Ride on the right side in a straight, predictable path. Always
go single file in the same direction as other vehicles. Riding against traffic puts you where motorists don't expect you.
They may not see you, and may pull across your path, or turn into you.
Check for Traffic: Always Be Aware of the Traffic Around You -
Over 70 percent of car-bicycle crashes occur at
driveways or other intersections. Before you enter any street or intersection, check for traffic. Always look left-right-left,
and walk your bicycle into the street to begin your ride. If you are already in the street, always look behind you for a
break-in traffic, then signal before going left or right. Watch for left or right turning traffic.
Learn Rules of The Road: Obey Traffic Laws -
Bicycles are considered vehicles. Bicyclists must obey the same
rules as motorists. Read your State drivers handbook, and learn and follow all the traffic signs, laws, and rules for
operating a vehicle on the road. Always signal your moves. Be courteous to pedestrians and other vehicle operators.
Never wear headphones
while riding as they impair your ability to hear traffic. Become familiar with the
accommodations that are available for bicyclists in your area. These include bicycle lanes and routes as well as off-
road paths. Take advantage of these whenever possible.
“Drive” with Care: Share the Road -
When you ride, consider yourself the driver of a vehicle and always keep safety
in mind. Choose to ride in the bike lane, if available. If the roadway or bike lane is wide, ride to the right; if the lane is
narrow, you may choose to ride in the middle of the lane. Take extra precautions when riding on a roadway. Bicycles
are smaller than automobiles
, and don’t protect the operator like an automobile. You should: Make eye contact, smile,
or wave to communicate with motorists. Courtesy and predictability are a key to safe cycling; be considerate and
aware of motorists and pedestrians. Learn to anticipate their actions. Remember, pedestrians have the right of way;
Ride far enough away from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (i.e. opening doors or drivers pulling out
without checking); Keep control of your bicycle: look behind you while maintaining your bicycle in a straight path; be
able to ride with one hand on the handlebars and signal a turn. (Practice these skills in a parking lot); Always look over
your shoulder, and if possible, signal before changing lanes; Make sure that books, clothes, and other items are
securely attached to the bicycle or carried in a backpack; and Use bells, horns, or your voice to alert pedestrians and
bicyclists that you are approaching or passing.
Stay Focused: Stay Alert -
Never wear headphones; they hinder your ability to hear traffic. Always look for obstacles
in your path (potholes, cracks, expansion joints, railroad tracks, wet leaves, drainage grates, or anything that could
make you fall). Before going around any object, scan ahead and behind you for a gap in traffic, signal your intentions to
move, and then follow through with your intentions. Be aware of the traffic around you. Ride defensively. Use extra
care when riding in wet weather, ice, frost, or snow. Slow your speed and allow extra time and space to stop. Use
extra care when crossing bridges which are extra slippery under wet conditions. Use caution when crossing a railroad
track; cross tracks at a 90-degree angle and proceed slowly.
c)
Wet weather riding
Whenever possible, you should avoid riding your bicycle in the rain. Riding a bicycle in the rain is like driving a car in the snow. You
will not be able to stop as fast and must leave a larger distance between you and the obstacles around you. Your brakes will not
work as efficiently when they are wet. You will not be able to turn as sharp without the danger of slipping. You must also ride away
from or be cautious around painted lines, pot holes, sewer or drain grates, rail road crossings, bridges, wet leaves and any other
area where a slippery surface can appear with water. Keep an eye out for puddles and turn your lights on if you have them. If you
live in an environment where rain riding is expected, you should install front and rear fenders if you have not already done so. Use
a cover for your bicycle if leaving it outdoors. Extensive rain can seep into the controller and battery and cause water damage.
