Diamondback 7th Edition manual Off Road Safety, Wet Weather Riding, Off Road respect

to do stunts, wheelies, jumps or go racing with your bike despite our advice not to, read Section 2.F, Downhill, Stunt or Competition Biking, now. Think carefully about your skills before deciding to take the large risks that go with this kind of riding.

12.Don’t weave through traffic or make any moves that may surprise people with whom you are sharing the road.

13.Observe and yield the right of way.

14.Never ride your bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

15.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.

C.Off Road Safety

We recommend that children not ride on rough terrain unless they are accompanied by an adult.

1.The variable conditions and hazards of off-road riding require close attention and specific 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 difficult terrain.

2.Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan to do.

3.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.

4.Always take along some kind of identification, so

that people know who you are in case of an accident; and take along a couple of dollars in cash for a candy bar, a cool drink or an emergency phone call.

5.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 unexpected moves don’t endanger you.

6.Be prepared. If something goes wrong while you’re riding off-road, help may not be close.

7.Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with your bike, read and understand Section 2.F.

Off Road respect

Obey the local laws regulating where and how you can ride off-road, and respect private 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.

D.Wet Weather Riding

!WARNING: Wet weather impairs traction, braking and visibility, both for the bicyclist and for other vehicles sharing the road. The risk of an accident is dramatically increased in wet conditions.

Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your brakes (as well as the brakes of other vehicles sharing