Do I have to read and follow my bike manual?

[McatholicN]

I bought a bike a while ago and got insurance for it, as well. I haven’t ridden it yet because I think you have to read the manual before (which I haven’t done) riding. I signed the papers to get the insurance and the bike which said (I think) that I agree to follow everything in the manual. This wouldn’t be a big problem except that there are some strange rules that I really wouldn’t like to follow. Examples: no riding over curbs, protective eyewear is obligatory, no riding in the dark, etc. I can’t see myself being able to follow these, but if I don’t ride the bike I’ve wasted about a hundred dollars and my family will think I’m pretty strange.

Am I committing sin by not following the manual?

 

[DJgang]

Insurance on a bike? I’ve never heard of that.

Sounds like you read the manual, now how about taking it for a spin?

are you ok?

 

[OJD]

I’d say above all use your common sense. Bear in mind what the Catechism says:

“The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess… t]hose incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others’ safety on the road…” (CCC #2290)

Riding over curbs could be dangerous to pedestrians (or yourself). Protective clothing is for your safety, especially consider a helmet and bright clothes. Make sure if you do go out in dark you have reflectors and lights so other road users can see you.

Why not read your manual? You may be forgetting some crucial safety advice.

Keep yourself and others safe!

 

[PJM]

=McatholicN;7872256]I bought a bike a while ago and got insurance for it, as well. I haven’t ridden it yet because I think you have to read the manual before (which I haven’t done) riding. I signed the papers to get the insurance and the bike which said (I think) that I agree to follow everything in the manual. This wouldn’t be a big problem except that there are some strange rules that I really wouldn’t like to follow. Examples: no riding over curbs, protective eyewear is obligatory, no riding in the dark, etc. I can’t see myself being able to follow these, but if I don’t ride the bike I’ve wasted about a hundred dollars and my family will think I’m pretty strange.

Am I committing sin by not following the manual?

Living VERY NEAR Daytona Beach Florida; I 'm assuming the “bike” is a Motorcycle

Loved your POST; no further comments until later. WELL DONE!

God Bless,
Pat

 

[DJgang]

Hum, bicycle or motorcycle?

 

[McatholicN]

Sorry, I meant bicycle. Didn’t expect that to get messed up.

I want to ride it and it’s kind of necessary for me to be riding it in the summer, but, as I said, there are some things in the bike manual that I don’t think I could follow.

 

[Hicks]

Are you asking if you are sinning against Almighty God if you do not read and obey every word of the manual that came with your bicycle? If so, please reread that previous sentence and appreciate the silliness of it. Then go have fun riding your bike. I don’t understand what you wrote about insurance, though. Why do you need insurance on a bike?

 

[FidesSpesCarita]

I bought a bike a while ago and got insurance for it, as well. I haven’t ridden it yet because I think you have to read the manual before (which I haven’t done) riding. I signed the papers to get the insurance and the bike which said (I think) that I agree to follow everything in the manual. This wouldn’t be a big problem except that there are some strange rules that I really wouldn’t like to follow. Examples: no riding over curbs, protective eyewear is obligatory, no riding in the dark, etc. I can’t see myself being able to follow these, but if I don’t ride the bike I’ve wasted about a hundred dollars and my family will think I’m pretty strange.

Am I committing sin by not following the manual?

Well, I commute by bike 12 m onths out of the year in Montana, so I can give you real world experiences.

1. No riding over curbs: This will throw your wheels out of true (make them not round) if done often. I dont advise it but its not a big deal. Just means more frequent maintenance.
2. Protective eye-wear: This is definitely a good idea. Again, not obligatory, but I will tell you that if you get a facefull of windcarried sand you will understand why they say to wear it. Or bugs. Bike through a cloud of no-see-ums and then tell me you dont want to wear eye protection.
3. No riding at night: This is silly. Just make sure that you have a headlight and flashing taillight every time you are out at night. Do not be a “bike ninja” that sneaks up on unsuspecting motorists and bicyclists. Seriously, ride at night, but ALWAYS and I do mean always have lights after dusk.

Just stop sweating it and get out and ride. And the first other thing you buy should be the best helmet you can buy. seriously, it could save your life.

FSC

 

[valentino]

I bought a bike a while ago and got insurance for it, as well. I haven’t ridden it yet because I think you have to read the manual before (which I haven’t done) riding. I signed the papers to get the insurance and the bike which said (I think) that I agree to follow everything in the manual. This wouldn’t be a big problem except that there are some strange rules that I really wouldn’t like to follow. Examples: no riding over curbs, protective eyewear is obligatory, no riding in the dark, etc. I can’t see myself being able to follow these, but if I don’t ride the bike I’ve wasted about a hundred dollars and my family will think I’m pretty strange.

Am I committing sin by not following the manual?

the rules are mostly for your own safety.Riding in the dark on a public street may be against law because you could cause a traffic accident.Get a headlight and good reflectors if you do want to ride after dark.Insurance is for bike theft.Why didn’t you just by a lock?Your not committing a sin except for riding in dark and endangering a traffic accident.YOur not necessarily strange maybe just unfamilar with bike rules and naive about insurance.

 

[1ke]

Your scrupulosity needs professional help. Please go see your priest. A regular confessor can help you distinguish between real and imaginary sins.

Regarding the manual and your insurance, the insurance agreement is referring to the use and care. For example, riding over a curb could void the warranty. Getting into an accident or injured by riding at night without proper equipment or jumping curbs, etc, can create a situation in which the insurance would not be liable for payment due to your own negligence.

Failing to abide by manual instructions for a bicycle is not sinful. Again, I highly recommend you start seeing a priest regularly for your scrupulosity.

However, it could void your warranty or your insurance policy. So, this is an area of prudence. Why did you buy insurance if you don’t plan to care for your bicycle in a way that the insurance requires?
.

 

[PJM]

=1ke;7872710]Your scrupulosity needs professional help. Please go see your priest. A regular confessor can help you distinguish between real and imaginary sins.

Regarding the manual and your insurance, the insurance agreement is referring to the use and care. For example, riding over a curb could void the warranty. Getting into an accident or injured by riding at night without proper equipment or jumping curbs, etc, can create a situation in which the insurance would not be liable for payment due to your own negligence.

Failing to abide by manual instructions for a bicycle is not sinful. Again, I highly recommend you start seeing a priest regularly for your scrupulosity.

However, it could void your warranty or your insurance policy. So, this is an area of prudence. Why did you buy insurance if you don’t plan to care for your bicycle in a way that the insurance requires?
.

Are you really talikng about a bike; or is this to lead us to something more spiritual?

 

[Joel_PF]

Manuals are known to be written with the absolutely less able and most inept in mind, so that the firm can’t be faulted in any way in case of any accident or damage.

I say, follow your common sense, and ride it according to your ability, not necessarily according to the guidelines written for those with no ability at all.