Bike ODUBike Share Tutorial

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

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.

View this embedded video about bicycle safety:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzAQEJO7NYE

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

View this embedded video aboutbicycle safety:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn1pAhsnO9A

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.

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.

View this embedded videoabout bicycle safety:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiwBpJLp4DA

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.

Rules of the Road2.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.

Rules of the Road3.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.

Rules of the Road4.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.

Rules of the Road5.Ride Ready: Do your pre-ride

safety check for air, brakes, cranks and chains, and seat post. Wear a helmet.

Rules of the Road

6.Keep your cool. Road rage can make a bad situation worse, and put you in danger.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Congratulations!You have

successfully viewed the Bike

ODU tutorial. You are now ready to

take the quiz at the OAP.