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ba
i) The following places are typical accident blackspots, where you
should cycle with particular caution:
• Junctions, even with a cycle lane parallel to the road; danger by cars
running in the same direction and turning to the left or right; danger
by oncoming trafc.
• Crossing railway tracks can be hazardous for cyclists, as a trapped
front wheel can throw the cyclist off. Be sure to cross railway tracks at
right angle.
• With a truck or bus besides you, e.g. in front of trafc lights. You may
be overlooked by the driver and are at risk of being run over when the
truck or bus turns to the left or right.
• On cycle lanes: take care of loose dogs and children crossing the lane
unmindfully.
Make yourself familiar with the trafc rules before cycling on
public roads. Anticipate the mistakes of other road users!
Parents should take their time to introduce their children (a) to safe
cycling on public roads. In Germany e.g. children must cycle on pave-
ments until the age of eight. Between the age of eight and ten they are
still allowed to do so. For crossing the street, children must get off their
bicycle.
Parents are advised to sign their children up to courses where they learn
how to safely cycle on public roads offered by road safety organizations
or the like.
4.2 Environment - Cycling Off-Road.
A bicycle is the ideal means of transport for any nature lover (b). Today,
cycling plays a major role in recreational activities. Cycling through parks
and forest trails has become most popular. To protect nature and avoid
conicts between cyclists, hikers and municipal authorities it is crucial
that certain basic rules are followed.
To protect wildlife habitat and the ora, please ride on signposted tracks
and lanes only and avoid any off-road cycling across grassland, elds
and through forest. Never ride through waters! Be sure when riding off
road that you do not ride faster than your cycling skills allow.
Always be respectful to walkers and hikers and ready to brake when rid-
ing downhill or if the road ahead is not clear. Mind your speed and do not
leave skid marks. Please throw your litter in litter bins or take it home.
Ensure an environmentally friendly disposal of lubricants, cleaning and
care products after use. These agents must not be disposed of with
domestic waste, in nature or emptied into drains.
Cycling off-road requires a great deal of skill, physical t-
ness and full concentration. Start with easy cycling tours and
increase the degree of difculty step by step. Please note that
though looking easy, the tricks of a professional actually require
years of training. Do not overestimate your riding skills!
Mountain bikers will nd further information at International
Mountain Bicycling Association (www.imba.com).
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