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4 USEFUL TIPS FOR CYCLING IN
TOWN AND COUNTRY.
4.1 Safe Cycling on Public Roads.
Keep in mind your bicycle is not only sports equipment (a), but also an
eco-friendly means of transport. Many cities and villages are very com-
mitted to improving cycling conditions by creating cycle lanes and by al-
lowing cyclists to ride the wrong way up one-way streets. When you set
off on your bicycle always be aware that you are among the vulnerable
road user groups. Bicycles do not have airbags, safety belts or a crush
zone. A collision may have serious long-term negative consequences to
your health. For this reason it is very important for you to ride with cau-
tion and try to avoid dangerous situations beforehand.
This manual cannot teach you how to ride or make you familiar
with all rules of conduct on public roads. For more information
please contact a road safety organization in your country, a
bicycle club or comparable organizations.
Tips on how to ride safely on public roads:
a) Ensure your bicycle is roadworthy.
b) Make yourself familiar with the trafc rules in your country.
c) Ride with caution. Do not endanger or provoke other road users.
d) Cycling is not allowed on motorways. Danger to life! Please check
the regulations in your country.
e) For safety reasons you are not allowed to listen to music through
headphones on public roads. Do not use your mobile either.
f) Keep sufcient distance between you and the vehicles ahead. Their
stopping distance is usually signicantly shorter.
g) In wet conditions please cycle with caution. With less grip your stop-
ping distance will get longer. At about 18 kmh (11 mph) you make
about 5 metres per second. In wet conditions the stopping distance
is twice to three-times as long as in dry conditions. Adapt your riding
habits to the ever changing conditions on the street. Be sure to cycle
at moderate speed and do not brake too late.
h) Switch on the lighting in poor visibility conditions, such as fog, rain,
dawn, dusk and darkness. Bright clothing will help you to get noticed,
especially in poor light. Be sure to wear straight cut trousers or straps
or cycle clips when you set off on your bicycle. A helmet and protec-
tive glasses (b) are a must for cycling safely.
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