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Avoid Biking at Night -
It is far more dangerous to bicycle at night than during the day. The Mariner 500 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.
d)
Reflectors
The
CPSC (US Consumer Product Safety Commission) requires front, rear, wheel and pedal reflectors. Your Mariner 500
includes federal regulated reflectors and they should not be removed. If needing to be replaced, replace them with authorized
ProdecoTech reflectors or reflectors approved by the CPSC.
e)
Night riding
Almost anywhere in the world today, bicycle night riding requires front and rear lights on your bicycle. You must install front and
rear lights if you plan on riding at night. Check your local laws on what is required for night riding. Always 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.
f)
Adding accessories
When adding accessories to your bicycle you must check to confirm they do not lower the safety value of your bicycle.
Prodeco Technologies offers authorized accessories for your bicycle which have been approved not to lower the safety value.
Ask your authorized dealer or contact us if you are not sure about adding an accessory to your bicycle and the possibility of
lowering your bicycle’s overall safety.
Chapter 5: Perfect Fit and Ride
It is very important your new Mariner 500 is adjusted properly for your size and for comfort. The Mariner 500 has multiple
adjustments available to offer a comfortable and safe position for riding. A properly sized and adjusted bicycle allows the rider
to remain fully alert and avoid injury. Review this chapter carefully and all the adjusting points of your new Mariner 500. If you
have difficulty in obtaining the most comfortable riding position or performing available adjustments, contact your authorized
dealer for advice. You can contact Prodeco Technologies directly by phone or email and we will assist you with the proper
adjustments for your bicycle and your size. The following list is the areas of adjustability the Mariner 500 offers:
Saddle height
Saddle nose angle
Saddle distance to handlebar
Handlebar height
Stem height
Brake lever angle
Brake lever reach
Fork suspension firmness
