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ules of bicycling safety
Bicycle
touring has its inherent risks. It is a sport whose safety is
dependent upon the judgment and alertness of the cyclist. As a
cyclist you are responsible for the way you tide and the condition
of the bicycle.
or a safe bicycle
Your bicycle must be in excellent
repair. Every bicycle needs through servicing annually. If you have
not had this done recently , please have it done before your tour.
Special attention should be paid to the functioning of brakes;
condition of brake pads and cables' functioning and condition of derailleur
and derailleur cables; headset; cranks; trueness and cones of
wheels; tightness of seat post, seat and handlebars; condition and
pressure of tires. If you bring a new bicycle, ride it adjusted by a
bicycle mechanic.
or safety on the road
Follow all traffic
regulations as if you were driving a car.
Use hand signals for
turning, slowing down or stopping.
Yield right of way to
pedestrians.
Ride on the side of the road in the same direction
as motorized traffic.
Ride a straight course neat the side of
the road (not too close to the edge of the pavement so as to risk
going off the pavement)
Ride single-file and keep several
bicycle lengths between yourself and the cyclist in front of you.
Allow even more room when going downhill.
Use both brakes at the
same time, gently; never stab at them. On downhill, pump both your
brakes. Do not apply them continuously, for this can cause them to
overhead and stop working.
Dry
you brakes by using them after riding through water or on a wet
road.
Never go faster than you can handle.
Listen for motor
vehicles coming from behind and prepare to have them pass you.
Do
not look behind you while riding
a bicycle; Except to make a left-hand turn.
Be
extra cautious in bicycling over railroad tracks, especially if
approached downhill; dismount if necessary.
Be careful of parked
motor vehicles. They may pull out into you path or a car door may
open in front of you. Watch for exhaust fumes and look for a person
sitting in the vehicle. Attempt to establish eye contact.
Stay
at least five bicycle lengths behind moving motor vehicles. They van
stop and turn more quickly than you on your bicycle.
Ride with caution
on wet or sandy roads. They may be slippery and cause a fall.
Potholes,
metal grates and other objects in the road must be avoided .
or
safe bicycling
We
require all cyclist to wear helmets.
Wear bright clothing
to make yourself visible to motorist.
Make certain you wear no
loose clothing that can get caught in a bicycle chain or wheel.
We
recommend using protective eyewear. If you wear corrective lenses
for diving, wear them for bicycling. Make sure they fit tightly.
Make
certain you are in good health and in sufficiently good physical
condition to handle the exertion required by bicycling and other
activities you undertake. A checkup with a doctor six months prior
to your trip is advise
Each tour participant must sign release of liability agreement. Please read carefully.