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SAFE
AND ENJOYABLE BICYCLING
It
is important to be prepared for the unexpected, whether road
bicycling or mountain biking.
Here
are a few tips for a safe and enjoyable trip:
| 1. |
Wear
a helmet. All bicyclists under age 14 are required by
New York State to wear an approved bicycle helmet. |
| 2. |
Make
sure your bicycle is in good working order. |
| 3. |
Carry
water, high-energy snacks, pump and patch kit, basic tool
kit, first aid kit, map and compass. |
| 4. |
Confirm
your route with someone knowledgeable of the area, such
as a local bicycle shop. |
| 5. |
Tell
someone where you are going and when you expect to return. |
| 6. |
Know
your ability, especially that of the least experienced
member of your party. |
| 7. |
Use
caution on wet surfaces. |
In
New York, the same laws that apply to a driver of a vehicle
apply to bicyclists using the roadways. Bicyclists must obey
all traffic signals, signs and pavement markings, and must
signal for turns. Bicyclists gain the respect of motorists
by obeying traffic laws. In addition, the following recommendations
lead to safe and efficient riding with traffic:
| · |
Be
predictable. Always ride with traffic. Cycle single
file and to the far right. |
| · |
Be
conspicuous. Wear bright clothing and a helmet. Make
your intentions known to motorists. |
| · |
Be
alert. Do not assume that you have the right-of-way.
Make eye contact with motorists at intersections. |
For
more Bicycle Safety information, contact the Governor’s
Traffic Safety Committee, 518-474-5111, www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us,
or your local AAA office.
Responsible
Mountain Biking
Respect
for private property and low impact use of State lands are
two important considerations while mountain biking in the
Adirondack North Country region. As illustrated on the
map, the region is a mix of public and private lands. Mountain
biking on private lands is only by permission. The Adirondack
Forest Preserve lands consist of both Wild Forest and Wilderness
classifications. Bicycles are permitted on lands classified
as Wild Forest on existing trails and roads, unless specifically
prohibited due to current or potential environmental damage,
user conflicts, or safety concerns. Bicycles are prohibited
on forest preserve lands classified as Wilderness.
Always
be considerate of other trail users to ensure future access
to trails. Be aware that you are sharing trails with hikers
and equestrians. Maintain a prudent speed and anticipate that
other trail users may be around blind corners. When encountering
hikers, slow down or pull off to let them by. If approaching
from behind, let them know you are there with a friendly greeting.
When approaching horses from the front, always stop and let
them pass. When approaching horses from the rear, wait for
instructions on how to proceed. Be prepared to walk around.
In
some areas, you may be using logging roads that are transportation
corridors for the working forest. Forest products companies
may privately own the lands, with public recreational use
allowed through easement agreements with New York State. Be
considerate and safe by pulling off to let logging trucks
pass.
Always
pack out what you pack in. Set a good example — other
mountain bicyclists will be judged by your actions.
For
additional information on "soft cycling" (minimizing
impact on resources and other users), visit the Website
(http://www.imba.com/resources/soft_cycling/sharetrails.html)
of the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA).
For
more information see:
NY State DMV Bikes & In-line Skates Safety Tips and Pennsylvania
Bicycle Driver's Manual.
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