Operation Manual

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PART II
SECTION A.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION
A WIDE RANGE OF
BICYCLING INJURIES
ARE POSSIBLE
Many hazards are described, and we have attempted
to explain how to avoid or minimize the dangers.
Because any fall can result in serious injury, paralysis
or death we do not repeat the warning of these
potential consequences every time we call attention to
a hazard. Some low speed falls may result in serious
injuries, and some wild high speed falls may result
in none. The reality is that the exact nature of the
consequences of a fall or accident is not predictable.
BICYCLES CANNOT
PROTECT YOU
Bicycles are lightweight, human-powered vehicles.
Unlike a car, much like a motorcycle, there is no
restraint system for your body, no protective structure
around your body. Crash worthiness cannot be a
design criterion. A rider sits on a bicycle and can be
easily thrown o for many reasons including overly
hard use of the front brakes (See PART I, SECTION
4.C Brakes) or striking an obstacle.
BICYCLING INHERENT RISK
WARNING
BICYCLING IS AN ACTIVE SPORT WITH
INHERENT RISK.
“Inherent risk,“ means that due to the nature of
bicycle riding, the situations you encounter while
riding expose you to the risk of serious injury,
paralysis, or death in an accident.
The risk cannot be taken away or
eliminated. You can minimize risk by
doing the following:
■ Bicycle training & practice
■ Progressive step-by-step learning of new
cycling skills
■ The good judgement to ride in control
■ Bicycle experience, riding with experienced
riders
■ Use of a proper bicycle helmet and
appropriate protective gear
■ Reading and thinking about this entire
owner’s manual, all owner’s manual
supplements and instructions that came with
your bicycle are essential to your safety and
part of the learning process. Visit www.
gtbikes.com.
■ Riding within your own unique capabilities
and considering the conditions where you are
riding.