• Stop It: Always Check Brakes Before Riding - Always control your speed by using
your brakes. Apply the rear brake slightly before the front brake. Always keep your
brakes adjusted. If you cannot stop quickly, adjust your brakes. When your hand
brake levers are fully applied, they should not touch the handlebars. Ride slowly in
wet weather and apply your brakes earlier, it takes more distance to stop.
• See and Be Seen: Wear clothes that make you more visible. Always wear neon,
florescent, or other bright colors when riding a bicycle.
• Avoid Biking at Night: It is far more dangerous to bicycle at night than during
the day. The ST requires LED lights for night time riding. If you must ride at night,
you should also do the following: wear retro-reflective clothing or material, not just
white or florescent, especially on your ankles, wrists, back, and helmet. Only ride in
areas familiar to you. Brightly lit streets are best. Always assume you are not seen
by a driver. Children should NOT ride at night.
• Go With the Flow: The Safe Way is the RIGHT Way - Ride on the right side in a
straight, predictable path. Always go single file in the same direction as other vehi-
cles. Riding against traffic puts you where motorists don't expect you. They may
not see you, and may pull across your path, or turn into you.
• Check for Traffic: Always Be Aware of the Traffic Around You - Over 70 percent
of car-bicycle crashes occur at driveways or other intersections. Before you enter
any street or intersection, check for traffic. Always look left-right-left, and walk
your bicycle into the street to begin your ride. If you are already in the street,
always look behind you for a break-in traffic, then signal before going left or right.
Watch for left or right turning traffic.
• Learn Rules of The Road: Obey Traffic Laws - Bicycles are considered vehicles.
Bicyclists must obey the same rules as motorists. Read your State drivers hand-
book, and learn and follow all the traffic signs, laws, and rules for operating a vehi-
cle on the road. Always signal your moves. Be courteous to pedestrians and other
vehicle operators. Never wear headphones while riding as they impair your ability
to hear traffic. Become familiar with the accommodations that are available for
bicyclists in your area. These include bicycle lanes and routes as well as offroad
paths. Take advantage of these whenever possible.
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