Raleigh 2008 manual Bicycling in Traffic, Downhill, Stunt or Competition Biking

!WARNING: Do not remove the front or rear reflectors or reflector brackets 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 roadway. Being struck by other vehicles may result in serious injury or death.

The reflector brackets may protect you from the brake straddle cable catching on the tire in the event of brake cable failure. If a brake straddle cable catches on the tire, it can cause the wheel to stop suddenly, causing you to loose control and fall.

If you must ride under conditions of poor visibility, check and be sure you comply with all local laws about night riding, and take the following strongly recommended additional precautions:

•Make sure that your bicycle is equipped with correctly positioned and securely mounted reflectors.

•Purchase and install battery or generator powered head and tail lights which meet all regulatory requirements and provide adequate visibility.

•Wear light colored, reflective clothing and accessories, such as a reflective vest, reflective arm and leg bands, reflective stripes on your helmet, flashing lights ... any reflective device or light source that moves will help you get the attention of approaching motorists, pedestrians and other traffic.

•Make sure your clothing or anything you may be carrying on the bicycle does not obstruct a reflector or light.

While riding at dawn, at dusk or at night:

•Ride slowly.

•Avoid dark areas and areas of heavy or fast-moving traffic.

•Avoid road hazards.

•If possible, ride on familiar routes.

F.Bicycling in Traffic

•Be predictable. Ride so that drivers can see you and predict your movements.

•Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.

•Read Appendix B and learn the rules for riding in traffic which are illustrated there.

G.Downhill, Stunt or Competition Biking

!WARNING: Although many catalogs, advertisements and articles about bicycling depict riders jumping, racing or stunt riding, this activity is extremely dangerous and increases your risk of injury or death, and increase the severity of any injury. Remember that the action depicted is being performed by professionals with many years of training and experience. Know your limits and always wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear. Even with state-of-the-art protective safety gear, you could be seriously injured or killed when jumping, stunt riding, riding downhill at speed or in competition.

!CAUTION: Bicycles and bicycle parts have limitations with regard to strength and integrity, and this type of riding can exceed those limitations.

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