2. Course Overview
• This course is designed to make your bike
sharing experience a safe and pleasant one.
• The course consists of five segments:
1. Protective Equipment
2. Pre-Ride Safety Check
3. Rules of the Road
4. Emergency Procedures
5. FAQs
3. Course Overview
• Before you can borrow a bike, you must
take a brief quiz based on the information
in this tutorial.
• You must pass your quiz with a score of
80% or higher.
• If you do not pass the quiz, you may review
and re-take an alternate quiz.
4. View this embedded video about
bicycle safety:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzAQEJO7NYE
5. Section 1:
Protective Equipment
• Saddle: The saddle, or bike seat, is the
primary point of adjustment for a safe and
comfortable ride. To adjust the saddle
height, have a friend stabilize the bike while
you sit on the seat. Move one pedal to its
lowest point. Adjust your saddle so that
your knee is slightly bent when the pedal is
at its lowest point.
6. Protective Equipment
• Helmet: While not mandatory, a helmet
can be a lifesaver in the event of a fall or
collision. The helmet should be centered
atop the head, not tilted forward or back.
The chin strap should be tightened securely.
7. Protective Equipment
• Lock: Whenever you park your bike
outdoors, you should secure it with a lock.
It may seem inconvenient, but it only takes
a second for a thief to make off with an
unattended bike. Lock the cross-bar or
down-bar of the frame to a rack, post, or
other stationary object.
8. Protective Equipment
• Bell: Just like the horn on a car, a bell can be
an invaluable tool for averting a collision
with a pedestrian or motor vehicle.
Because a bike makes relatively little noise,
pedestrians cannot hear your approach
from behind, and are likely to step
unexpectedly into your path.
9. Protective Equipment
• Lights and Reflective Vest: When riding at
night, front and rear lights and a reflective
safety vest will help motorists see you as
they approach. Riding at night without
protective gear, especially when wearing
dark clothing, puts you at risk for a motor
vehicle collision which could prove fatal.
10. View this embedded video about
bicycle safety:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn1pAhsnO9A
11. Section 2:
Pre-Ride Safety Check
• A is for Air: Check to see that your tires
are adequately inflated.
• B is for Brakes: Before moving into traffic,
check your brakes to make sure you can
stop quickly if necessary.
• C is for Cranks and Chains: Be sure your
pedal cranks and chain run smoothly.
12. Pre-Ride Safety Check
• S is for Seat Post: After you adjust the
saddle height, double-check to make sure
the post is positioned securely.
• Do a slow ride check before heading into
traffic, to ensure all parts are in working
order.
13. View this embedded video
about bicycle safety:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiwBpJLp4DA
14. Section 3:
Rules of the Road
1. Follow the law: As a cyclist, you have the
same rights and responsibilities as a
motorist. Obey traffic signals and stop signs.
Ride in the rightmost lane, in the direction
of traffic.
15. Rules of the Road
2. Be Predictable: Make your intentions
known to motorists, pedestrians and other
cyclists. Don’t weave in and out of traffic
and parked cars. Signal before you turn, and
check for traffic well ahead of making a
turn or lane change.
16. Rules of the Road
3. Be Conspicuous: Ride where you can be
seen. Wear bright clothing, and use front
and rear lights and reflectors. Make eye
contact with drivers, to be certain they see
you. Don’t ride on the sidewalk, except on
campus, or on designated parts of the
Elizabeth River Trail.
17. Rules of the Road
4. Think Ahead: Anticipate what drivers,
pedestrians and other cyclists will do next.
Watch for debris and potholes, and ride
outside the “door zone” of parked cars.
Watch for turning vehicles and distracted
drivers. Cross railroad tracks at right
angles.
18. Rules of the Road
5. Ride Ready: Do your pre-ride safety check
for air, brakes, cranks and chains, and seat
post. Wear a helmet.
19. Rules of the Road
6. Keep your cool. Road rage can make a bad
situation worse, and put you in danger.
20. Section 4:
Emergency Procedures
• Plan Ahead, and Carry a Cell Phone: In case
of a flat tire or other mechanical
malfunction, devise a strategy. Who will
you call if you are stranded?
• Learn how to repair your bike, and carry an
emergency tool kit and spare tire.
21. Emergency Procedures
• In case of a traffic accident, move your bike
out of the way of traffic, call 911, and get
the driver’s name and insurance
information.
22. Section 5:
Bike Share FAQs
• Q: How do I reserve a bike?
• A: You can phone or stop by the Outdoor
Adventure Program (OAP) Center to
reserve a bike. If none is available, you will
be placed on a waiting list, and notified by
phone and/or email when a bike becomes
available. OAP Center phone: 757-683-
3384.
23. Bike Share FAQs
• Q: How long can I keep the bike?
• A: Bikes are loaned out for one week at a
time. They must be picked up at least one
hour before closing, and returned within
one hour of opening on the due date. For
example, if you get your bike on Sunday
afternoon, you must return it the following
Sunday within one hour after opening.
24. Bike Share FAQs
• Q: What if I don’t get the bike back in
time?
• A: You will be charged a late fee of $4.00
per day for every day you keep the bike
beyond the due date.
25. Bike Share FAQs
• Q: Can I renew my bike loan for an
additional week?
• A: As long as no one is on the waiting list,
you may renew your loan. However, you
must physically bring in the bike to the OAP
Center before you can check it out again.
26. Bike Share FAQs
• Q: What if the bike is damaged or stolen?
• A: Return a damaged bike immediately to
the OAP Center. If the bike is stolen, phone
the OAP Center at 757-683-3384, as soon
as possible after discovering the theft.
