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Health
We recommend that you contact your doctor if you are unsure of your suitability for the scheme with relation to health issues, particularly if you have a history of any of the following conditions:-
- Heart disease, angina or any kind of heart condition.
- High blood pressure.
- Epilepsy.
- If you are pregnant.
- If you had surgery within the last 6 months.
- If you are recovering from serious illness.
- If you are prone to dizzy spells, black outs or temporary confusion.
- Any kind of atrophy (muscle wasting).
- If you have an eye condition or infection (not glasses or contact lenses) which affects your vision.
- If you have any kind of ear infection which affects your balance.
- If you are on any medication that advises you NOT to handle any machinery or drive, then this also applies to riding or handling a bicycle in or out of public view.
Safety Checks
OYBike has a dedicated maintainance team who check the OYBikes on a regular basis for signs of damage, or general wear and tear. However before hiring an OYBike it is the member's responsibility to carry out the following safety checks:
- General appearance - check that there are no major dents or defects in the framework, wheels, pedals or crankshaft. Check for things like missing brake shoes, broken lights, torn or frayed cables etc. Ensure that there is nothing loose, broken or detached from the bike.
- Brakes - firmly grip the front brake then try to push the bike forward, the wheel of the bike should not turn. Do the same for the rear brakes.
- Steering - the handlebars should be perpendicular (line up at 90 degree angle to the wheel).
- Dynamo/lights - engage the dynamo at the front wheel then give the wheel a quick spin by lifting the handle bars, you should see both front and rear lights flash briefly.
- Wheels - check that all the spokes are straight and that the wheel is not buckled in any way. Check that the tyre is not bald or wearing thin and that there are no unusual bulges.
General Considerations Before Hire
- Build up your confidence – if you are not used to cycling, ride on quiet streets first. There may be a cycling course you can join through your local council or local cycling campaign group
- Be wary of parked cars – give yourself plenty of time and space to pull out from parked cars, keeping your eyes open for people stepping out, or for people opening doors.
- Use cycle lanes – wherever possible.
- Indicate your intentions – use clear hand signals.
- Buy an up-to-date edition of the Highway Code – it contains useful information aimed at cyclists, including where you can / cannot ride a bike, what the law says about bikes and advice on security. Be aware of such terms as: - A contra-flow cycle lane, a shared use path, a segregated shared use path, etc.
- Be seen – wear reflective or brightly coloured clothes at all times even if it is just a reflective sash, especially at night. Not all pedestrians can hear you!
- Use your bell - not all pedestrians can see you!!
- Always wear a helmet – this could make the difference between life and death, they increase your visibility, they reduce the risk of head injury in the unfortunate event of an accident.
- Carry wet weather gear – most people who don’t cycle regularly think it rains all the time. In fact the chance of getting wet on a typical 10-minute journey is less than 1 in 50* Try to always carry lightweight rain gear in your bags, preferably brightly coloured with reflective strips. (*Quote taken from Cykick)
- Park wisely – park your bike securely to a fixed object, in a highly visible location, ideally on a purpose-built cycle rack but a lamppost or railing or other approved solid object will do.
- DO NOT drink and ride.
- DO NOT fill the basket with heavy items or sharp objects.
- DO NOT ride on the pavement – it is against the law (unless you see the sign and markings on the pavement for shared use)
- If you have an accident -
If you do have an accident, try to stay calm. Try to take down the details of the accident such as name, registration number, make and model of vehicle, time, date, and location of accident and if you are injured report the accident to the police.
If you are injured, how ever slightly, go and see a doctor.
In all circumstances please contact OYBike Customer Services.
Futher information: Department for transport
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