9
Stunt or Competition Biking, now. Think carefully about
your skills before deciding to take the large risks that go
with this kind of riding.
12. Don’t weave through traffic or make any moves
that may surprise people with whom you are sharing
the road.
13. Observe and yield the right of way.
14. Never ride your bicycle while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
15. If possible, avoid riding in bad weather, when
visibility is obscured, at dawn, dusk or in the dark, or when
extremely tired. Each of these conditions increases the
risk of accident.
C. Off Road Safety
We recommend that children not ride on rough terrain
unless they are accompanied by an adult.
1. The variable conditions and hazards of off-road
riding require close attention and specific skills. Start
slowly on easier terrain and build up your skills. If your bike
has suspension, the increased speed you may develop
also increases your risk of losing control and falling. Get
to know how to handle your bike safely before trying
increased speed or more difficult terrain.
2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding
you plan to do.
3. Don’t ride alone in remote areas. Even when riding
with others, make sure that someone knows where you’re
going and when you expect to be back.
4. Always take along some kind of identification, so
that people know who you are in case of an accident;
and take along a couple of dollars in cash for a candy
bar, a cool drink or an emergency phone call.
5. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride
in a way that does not frighten or endanger them, and
give them enough room so that their unexpected moves
don’t endanger you.
6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong while you’re
riding off-road, help may not be close.
7. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race
with your bike, read and understand Section 2.F.
Off Road respect
Obey the local laws regulating where and how you
can ride off-road, and respect private property. You
may be sharing the trail with others — hikers, equestrians,
other cyclists. Respect their rights. Stay on the designated
trail. Don’t contribute to erosion by riding in mud or with
unnecessary sliding. Don’t disturb the ecosystem by
cutting your own trail or shortcut through vegetation or
streams. It is your responsibility to minimize your impact on
the environment. Leave things as you found them; and
always take out everything you brought in.
D. Wet Weather Riding
!
WARNING: Wet weather impairs traction, braking
and visibility, both for the bicyclist and for other vehicles
sharing the road. The risk of an accident is dramatically
increased in wet conditions.
Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your
brakes (as well as the brakes of other vehicles sharing
the road) is dramatically reduced and your tires don’t
grip nearly as well. This makes it harder to control speed