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PRINCIPLE #1:
MAINTAIN CONTROL OF YOUR BICYCLE
There are many things you can do to control your bicycle, even in an
emergency.
First, make sure your bike is the right size and adjusted to fit you
properly. The right size bicycle is easier to control and more comfort-
able, causing less fatigue. Your local bike shop can help you choose
the right size bicycle for you.
Make sure your bike is in good working order. You should inspect it
regularly. Here are some important parts to check:
•
Brakes must be powerful enough to let you easily bring your bicy-
cle to a stop. You should be able to easily reach the brake levers.
• Tires should be in good condition and inflated to their recom-
mended pressure.
• Luggage racks and saddle bags let you carry a load while
keeping your hands on the handlebars for steering and braking.
• Lights are required by law when riding after dark. You or your
bicycle must have a white light visible at least 500 feet to the
front, and a red light or reflector visible at least 600 feet to the
rear. These are the
minimum require-
ments. More power-
ful lights will make
you more visible to
others, and help you
see road hazards. A
rear light is more
visible than a reflec-
tor. Front white
reflectors are not
visible to motorists
entering from a side
street and do not
meet legal lighting
requirements.
• Fenders keep you
dry and clean. They
also prevent your
bicycle from getting
dirty in wet weath-
er.
Bicyclist A
Bicyclist B
Bicylist B, without a
front light, can’t be
seen; a reflector is
ineffective here.
Bicyclist A, with a
front light, is visible
to approaching
motorist.
Effectiveness of bike lights
4