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must fit correctly, be worn correctly and be properly secured to do its
real job. Ask your dealer to help you with the fit and adjustment of
your helmet, and refer to the owner's manual provided with the
helmet.
WARNING:
Always wear a helmet when riding your bike. Always
keep the chinstrap securely buckled. Refer to your helmet owner's
manual for additional information. Failure to wear an approved
helmet may result in serious injury or death.
4.2.2. Reflectors
Reflectors are important safety devices that are designed as an
integral part of your bicycle. Do not remove the reflectors from your
bicycle. Reflectors are not a substitute for lights, always equip your
bicycle with lights and make sure your bike is equipped in
correspondence with your local laws.
For U.S. only, federal regulations require every bicycle to be
equipped with front, rear, wheel and pedal reflectors. The U.S.
Consumer Products Safety Commission specifies the size,
performance and location of each reflector. The reflectors are
designed to pick up and reflect streetlights and car lights in a way
that helps you to be seen and recognized as a moving cyclist.
CAUTION:
Check reflectors and their mounting brackets regularly to
make sure that they are clean, straight, unbroken and securely
mounted. Have your dealer replace damaged reflectors and
straighten or tighten any that are bent or loose.
WARNING:
Do not remove the reflectors from your bicycle. They are
an integral part of the bicycle's safety system. Removing the
reflectors may reduce your visibility to others using the road. Being
struck by other vehicles often results in serious injury or death.
Remember: reflectors are not a substitute for lights. Always equip
your bicycle with lights.
4.2.3. Lights
If you ride your bike after dusk, your bicycle must be equipped with
lights so that you can see the road and avoid road hazards, and so
that others can see you. Vehicle laws treat bicycles like any other
vehicle. That means you must have a white front and a red rear light
operating if you are riding after dusk. Your bike dealer can
recommend a battery or generator powered lighting system
appropriate to your needs.
WARNING:
Reflectors are not a substitute for proper lights. It is your
responsibility to equip your bicycle with all lights. Riding at dawn, at
dusk, at night or at other times of poor visibility without a bicycle
lighting system which meets local and state laws and without
reflectors is dangerous and may result in serious injury or death.
4.2.4. Pedals
(See also Section 6.5 and 6.6.) Some higher performance model bicycles
come equipped with pedals that have sharp and potentially dangerous
surfaces. These surfaces are designed to add safety by increasing
traction or grip between the rider's shoe and the bicycle pedal. If your
bicycle has this type of high-performance pedal you must take extra care
to avoid serious injury from the pedals' sharp surfaces. Based on your
riding style or skill level, you may prefer a less aggressive pedal design.
Your dealer can show you a number of options and make suitable
recommendations.
WARNING:
When turning at slow speeds, it may be possible for your toe
clip or foot to contact the front wheel. This could cause you to lose control
and fall. Avoid pedaling while turning at slow speed.
