10
Safety
Off-road safety
competition riding” on page 13 now.
Think carefully about your skills before
deciding to take the large risks that go
with this kind of riding.
Don’t weave through traffi c or make any
moves that may surprise people with
whom you are sharing the road.
Observe and yield the right of way.
Never ride your bicycle while under the
infl uence of alcohol or drugs.
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.
Off-road safety
We recommend that children not ride on
rough terrain unless they are accompanied
by an adult.
The variable conditions and hazards
of off-road riding require close atten-
tion and specifi c 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
diffi cult terrain.
Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind
of riding you plan to do.
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.
Always take along some kind of identifi -
cation, so that people know who you are
in case of an accident; and take along
some cash for food, a cool drink or an
emergency phone call.
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 unex-
pected moves don’t endanger you.
Signal with voice or bell when passing.
Don’t block the trail. Move your bike off
to the side of the trail if you stop.
Walk your bike up and down access
ramps.
Be prepared. If something goes wrong
while you’re riding off-road, help may
not be close.
Before you attempt to jump, do stunt
riding or race with your bike, read and
understand “Extreme, stunt or compe-
tition riding” on page 13.
Off-road respect
Obey the local laws regulating where and
how you can ride off-road, and respect pri-
vate 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.
