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Practice Makes Your Ride Perfect!
Be Aware of the Weather Conditions —
In wet, rainy or slick conditions
observe the following safe handling procedures:
Your stopping distance will at least DOUBLE in wet or slippery
conditions.
At frequent intervals, lightly apply your brakes to clear your wheel
rims and brake pads of excess water buildup. Remember, in wet
conditions it can take two full revolutions of a wheel just to clear
away the water and begin to slow your bike.
Never pull the brake levers forcefully or suddenly.
This could lock up
your wheels and cause dangerous, uncontrolled skidding.
Keep your speed to a minimum and allow for a greater margin
of error when starting through intersections, stopping and cornering.
Avoid riding over slick substances such as sand, loose gravel, ice, oil
and other debris not intended as a biking surface. These slick spots
put a thin layer between you and the road, essentially removing your
tires from the surface they are trying to hold. If slippery surfaces
cannot be avoided it is advisable that you dismount and walk your
bike and trailer to avoid accidents and injury.
Be visible on the road!
Riding in adverse weather
conditions on roads that have
become wet or slippery can
be incredibly dangerous for
bicyclists and should be
avoided whenever possible.
If you find yourself out in
such conditions use extreme
caution because your ability
to control and stop your bike
is greatly impaired.
Avoid rides at night by planning your
rides during the daylight hours. With
a trailer you are longer and heavier
which adds up to a slower reaction
time when it comes to avoiding those
obstacles lurking under the cover of
darkness. Auto drivers do not expect
you and may not be able to respond
quickly when you suddenly become
visible. If night riding cannot be
avoided, by all means wear bright
clothing and always use a light for
both the front and rear of your bike/
trailer combo.
If your trailer comes with a red rear
flasher use it. If your trailer doesn’t
come with a flasher you need to get
one if you are going to ride at night.
Always make sure you have reflectors
that are highly visible and free from
damage. We can only give warnings
and voice our concerns. You are
ultimately responsible for the
consequences of your own actions and
should understand that night riding is
inherently more dangerous than riding
during the daylight hours.
Familiarize yourself with how a trailer handles by taking
a practice lap before passengers are ever on board. We
are assuming you already know how to properly handle
a bike. If not, take some time to learn proper bike
handling skills before you attach a loaded trailer and
attempt to transport a child. With the addition of a trailer,
your bike’s overall handling and performance will be
affected. Take a moment and get to know your trailer
with a practice ride in a relatively calm, traffic free area.
Load 50-100 lbs. of weight into your trailer and take
another practice lap to gauge what it may feel like to
ride with actual passengers in tow. You will probably
have to alter your riding style to compensate for
changes in length and weight as they occur. Get a feel
for how your bike and trailer will perform under any
circumstance that may arise. This way, you will be
well prepared to react in the safest most responsible
manner possible.
