Culture Note 1: Improving Bicycle Safety

Improving Bicycle Safety

Riding a “bicycle” (a vehicle with two wheels ridden with one’s feet while steering with a bar called “handlebars”) is part of many people’s childhoods. The *** Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a “federal” (***) *** “agency” (section of the ***) within the *** of Transportation. Its “mission” (goal) is to, "Save lives, ‘prevent’(keep from happening) injuries, reduce vehicle-related ‘crashes’ (when two vehicles hit each other unexpected and violently)". （本段部分词汇已经用***代替）

The NHTSA has advice for bicycle riders to try to “reduce” (make smaller or less) accidents. Their advice includes:

Wear a bicycle “helmet” (hard hat with a strap under the chin) that is “fitted” (sized) properly to protect your “brain” (organ in your head that allows you to think and control your body).

“Adjust” (make changes to) your bicycle to fit your body. There should be 1 to 2 inches between you and the top “bar” (long hard piece) if using a “road bike” (bicycle intended to be used on streets) and 3 to 4 inches if you are using a “mountain bicycle” (bicycle used for rough paths). The seat should be “level” (having the same height) front to back. The seat height should be adjusted to allow a “slight” (small; little) “bend” (curve) at the knee when the leg is “fully extended” (at full length). The “handlebar” (piece of a bicycle or motorcycle a rider holds) height should be at the same level with the seat.

Make sure you’re able to see well and others are able to see you. Always wear bright colors when riding day or night. Also wear something that “reflects light” (throws back light), such as reflective “tape” (material that I sticky on one side) or markings, or “flashing” (going on and off repeatedly) lights. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.

摘自eslpod.com

本期问题：

Depending on NHTSA’s advice, how should you adjust the seat height of your bicycle?

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