The first rule in safe bicycle riding is to use common sense. A bicycle is vulnerable; it cannot protect you in a
crash, impact, or loss of control in the way a car can. A bicycle can tip over sideways or pitch you over the front
wheel. It does not have bumpers or airbags as does a car. This section is a guide of safe riding practices for on and
off-road operation. Make sure you are using your bicycle for proper use condition as it relates to off road riding.
Different localities and countries have different laws governing bicycle riding on public roads, and the rider should check
with localoffi cials to make sure he or she is complying with these laws.
- For your safety, always wear a helmet that meets Snell or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z290.4 requirements. In the event of an accident a helmet can protect you from serious injury and even death. A bicycle retailer will be happy to assist you in the selection of a helmet and other useful accessories.
- Obey all local traffi c laws. Obey red and green lights, one-way streets, stop signs, etc. Ride with the traffic, not against it. Ride single fi le in a straight line.
- Have a satisfactory signaling device (bell, horn, etc.), to warn of approach. Ride Defensively (expect the unexpected).
- Give pedestrians the right of way. Do not ride too close to pedestrians and alert them if you intend to pass from behind.
- Slow down at all street intersections and look to the right and left before crossing.
- Always use proper hand signals for turning and stopping. Give signals 100 ft. before stopping or turning and always return both hands to the handlebars before stopping or turning.
- Watch for cars pulling out into traffi c and for the sudden opening of car doors.
- Avoid potholes, drainage grates or other road surface hazards. Cross railroad tracks at a right angle. Be careful when riding on soft road edges, gravel, sand and uneven surfaces. Ride slowly and avoid quick turns when riding on these surfaces.
- Never hitch on other vehicles, do not "Stunt" ride or race in traffic. Don't weave in and out of the traffic or swerve from side to side.
- Never carry other riders or packages, they may obstruct vision or proper control of the bicycle.
- Do not ride while intoxicated or while taking medications which can make you drowsy.
- Do not ride with loose objects attached to the handlebar or other parts of the bicycle.
- Before riding, check your brakes. Be sure they are operating efficiently and that your bicycle is in perfect running condition.
- Do not ride at night. Always use lights when riding at dawn or dusk. Clear light on front and flashing red light on rear. Wear light colored and/or ref ective clothing. Make sure your reflectors are intact and visible. Assume motorists are unable to see you and ride in an appropriately cautious manner.
- Think about safety when you ride. You can prevent many bicycle accidents if you think about safety.
- We do not recommend fitting a child-seat to any Montague bicycle. However, if one is fitted, care should be taken to fit suitable coverings to prevent trapping of children's fingers.
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WARNING |
| Proper use of your front brake is vital to ensure safe, efficient stopping. To avoid misuse and potential injury, do not apply sudden or excessive force on your front brake. To do so may cause your rear wheel to lift of the ground and/or, your front wheel to slip from under you. Apply both brakes at the same time and shift your weight backward on the bicycle while braking. | |
Caution: Wet Weather Riding
Brakes do not work as well under wet conditions as they do under dry conditions. In wet
weather, special precautions must be taken to insure safety in stopping. Proper adjustment and
cable lubrication will help, but the major precaution rests with you, the rider. Increased
brake pressure is required in wet or rainy weather and care must beexercised to maintain safety
under these conditions.
Ride slower than normal and apply your brakes sooner than regular conditions would require.
When wet surfaces freeze, traction is further decreased. Brake power could decrease. Adjust
your speed.
A crash can put extraordinary stress on bicycle components, causing them to fatigue
prematurely. Components suffering from stress fatigue can fail suddenly, causing loss of
control, or serious injury. For more information and a guide for safe on-road and off-road
riding, see www.MontagueBikes.com/folding-bike-support.
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WARNING |
| Do not ride at night. Your bicycle is equipped with reflectors, however, extreme caution is required when traveling at dawn or dusk. In addition to keeping your reflectors clean, and properly affixed to your bicycle, you must use headlights and tail lights, in addition to wearing bright, reflective clothing when riding in poor lighting conditions. Consult your local bike shop to find accessories appropriate for your riding needs | |
