9 — Wednesday, June 7. 1989 - Ca sano Chronicle Check out rules before riding on trails MOUNTAIN BIKES are adaptable to a wide variety of ter- rains, from paved roads to rocky trails, but it is sometimes difficult to sort out the rules and regulations stating on which trails bikes are allowed. “It's not a hard-and fast, black and white thing,’“said: Jim Slater of the North Vancouver District Parks Department. “‘The onus ‘s on the bikers,’” he noted, to find an area in which they can cy’ without endangering pedestrians Slater emphasizes that bikes «. not allowed on any fitness trails in North Vancouver District, and that bikers should try to stay away from the parks altogether. They can, however, bike in the B.C. Hydro powerline right of way, although they stand the chance of rubbing shoulders with the equestrian riders who also use the area. Mike Wakelield WEARING A helmet is essential to riding a bike safely ... but be sure to buy a helmet that’s approved by the biking standards associations, Pick helmet carefully IT’S NO secret that when it comes to bicycle safety, wearing a helmet is rule number one. Each year in Canada, over 50,000 children will be seriously injured, and over 60 children will die in bike accidents — most from head injuries, When shopping for a helmet, be sure to choose one that is approved by ANSI — the American National Standards Institute. The helmet should have a liner of hard styrofoam, which will act like a cushion to protect the biker’s Local dealers will help THERE ARE several bicycle stores ‘in North Vancouver. Here are a number to call or visit for infor- mation. on mountain or road bik- ing. _ @ Axel’s Cycle, 1852. Marine Dr., W.V., 926-6242, . © Bicycle Service Co., 213 E. Ist, N.V., 986-9477. © Breakaway Bikes, 1479 Clyde, W.V.., 925-1677. e@ Can-Ski, 1845 Marine Dr., . W.YV., 926-7547. © Cap’s Bicycles, 1077 Marine Dr., N.V. 985-4439. © Deep Cove Bike Shop, 4322 Gallant Ave., N.V., 929-1918. © Great Bicycle Company, 3026 Mountain Highway, N.V., 988- 1800. ® Lynn Valley Cycles, 1251 Ross Rd., N.V., 985-9416. . ® North Star Cycles, 1719 Lons- dale, N.V., 980-1317. head. It should not feel spongy to the touch. Foam pads or straps inside the helmet help it fit securely to the head. Helmets should be worn to cover the forehead. The chin strap should be ad- justed to hold the helmet on securely. Male sure. the helmet cannot slip forward over your face. For more information on safety tips, contact the Bicycling Associa- tion of B.C., 737-3034. - @ Reckless Rider, 1150 Marine Dr., - | N.V., 986-7325. e Saturn Sports, W.YV., 925-2240. . @* Sportsmen's . Supplies, _.3120 Edgemont Bivd., N.V., 987-1815. ©. Westview. Cycle Shop, - Lonsdale, N.V,-988-5411. © », 1824 Fulton, 1985 - Martin Moore of the North Vancouver City Parks Department tells a similar story. All trails in city parks are off limits, he says — ‘‘there’s just too much foot traffic.” And according to a spokesper- son at the Provincial Ministry of Parks, biking trails at Cypress and Seymour Provincial Parks are also limited. The only trails bikers may use at Seymour are the horse trails near the base of the mountain and the Old Buck logging trail that begins just up from the Parks office. At Cypress, bikers can use the logging road, which can be access- ed across from the West Van- couver Works Yard found approx- imately 1 km along the Cypress Bowl road after turning off from the highway. The logging road continues from this point up to the Alpine ski area at Parking Lot #5. One area set aside for the sole use of bikers is the road leading through the Seymour Demonstra- tion Forest (see article page 10). The paved road, which also leads to the Seymour dam and fish hatchery, has proved popular for. bikers of all ages and abilities. The Baden-Powell trail, which runs from Deep Cove to Howe Sound, is not open to bikers. For information on enjoyable road trips in the Lower Mainland and its surroundings, a number of books are available that detail routes, mileage, stops of interest and traffic conditions. However, there is currently little information forthcoming to guide mountain bikers who wish to take their steed off-roading. Remember traffic safety tips BIKERS ARE often the most vul- nerable people on the road — they move at high speeds, sometimes cars don't see them, and, in the case of a collision, there is little to protect their body at the point of impact. It is important, therefore, that bikers are doubly cautious when obeying the rules of the road. The following are a few traffic tips bikers should keep in mind at all times. © Ride with the traffic on the righthand side of the street. © Do not proceed across intersec- tions until it is safe to do so. It is always safer to get off your bike and walk across a busy intersec- tion. © Be wary of parked cars. Drivers may suddenly open a door in front of you. © Look out for sewer grates that run parallel to the road and expan- sion joints on bridges. Your tires may slip in between the sieel bars. © Wever hitch on to moving vehi- cles, or “‘double’’ another passen- ger on your bike. © Shoulder check the traffic behind you before changing lanes or undertaking any manoeuvres. ‘ © Use the approved hand signals to indicate 2 turn or a stop. * Always stop when coming out of lanes and driveways. © Always ride in single file. @ Make sure you have a reflector on your rear fender, and never ride at dusk or in the dark without a light. The white front light must be visible from a distance of 150 metres (500 feet), and the red rear reflector from 90 metres (300 feet). Wear brightly colored jacket, pants and helmet. © Give pedestrians the right of way. ¢ Ride at a. safe distance from trucks, buses and other vehicles. -over 35 years experience- #118 - 3721 Delbrook Ave. Pacer errccesesnseensacee Edelwei Goes 3s Pewee wren cence ncensaacece - Expites June 21/89°- 980-2101 European Goldsmith & Diamond Setter Jewellesy Designing - Alterations - Repairs - Diamonds - Watches BREAKFAST SPECIAL 2 eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, toast $3.25 " “we really cater to you" 110-3711 Delbrook Ave. . ¢ Watch for cars coming out of lanes, driveways and parking spaces. * When riding alongside the curb, watch out for the cars beside you that might turn right and cut you off. ® Don't pass a stopped car on your right or left without slowing down and looking for other cars or pe- destrians that may be crossing. Se errr (604) 985-6524 - Pav ereceosse expires July 10° Oe ore erecernccnncocceve » 983-3354. ao Delbrook Plaza only -