Safety briefing

The short version of what we'll cover together when you pick up your bike. You can read it ahead of time here.

Required. Every first-time participant goes through a brief safety orientation — in English or Spanish, in person or over a short video — before your first ride. We sign it off in our records. Megan Ramy, our e-bike safety educator, helped design this curriculum.

1. Helmet first

Always wear a helmet when riding. Adjust the strap so two fingers fit under your chin and the helmet sits level on your head — not tilted back. We'll size one for you and a kid helmet for any passenger.

2. The bike

Our bikes are step-through e-bikes with a throttle and pedal-assist. Twist the throttle for a gentle nudge from a stop; pedal to engage assist. Power button is on the right handlebar — hold it to turn on. Battery indicator on the display.

Brakes: right hand = rear, left hand = front. Squeeze both evenly. Be especially careful on the front brake at speed.
Lights: always on at dusk and after dark. Many of our routes are unlit.
Bell: use it on shared paths, especially when passing pedestrians or other riders.

3. Where to ride

Stay off Highway 14 and SR-141 except for crossing at marked intersections. Use bike lanes and sidewalks where they exist. In White Salmon and Bingen, neighborhood streets are generally low-speed and bike-friendly.

4. Rules of the road (Washington)

Ride with traffic, on the right side of the road.
Obey stop signs and traffic signals — bikes follow the same rules as cars.
Use hand signals: left arm out for left, right arm out for right, left arm down with palm back for stop.
Don't ride distracted — no phone in your hand.
Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or any impairing substance. Period.

5. Locking up

Lock through the frame and the rear wheel to a permanent fixed object — a bike rack, a sign post bolted to concrete. Don't lock to chain-link fences, small trees, or anything you could lift. Keep the bike in sight when possible; never leave it locked overnight in a public space.

6. Battery and charging

For reservations of more than 2 days, we'll either include a charger or rotate batteries with you. Plug into any standard outlet — charge time is about 4 hours for a full top-up. Don't store the battery in extreme heat or cold for long periods.

7. If something happens

Mechanical issue or flat: call us at (541) 705-2438. We'll meet you with a spare bike or pick you up.
Crash or injury: if anyone is hurt, call 911 first, then us. The bike is insured; your safety comes first.
Theft: call us right away. Each bike is labeled "Property of Gorge Rides" and registered.
You feel unsafe: stop riding, call us, we'll get you home.

8. Cargo bike specifics

Cargo bikes handle differently when loaded. Take a slow lap of the parking lot first to feel the weight. Always strap kids into their seats and helmets. Don't exceed the bike's listed weight limit; we'll tell you what that is when you pick up.

9. Trailers

Trailers attach to a hitch on the rear axle. Wider turns, slower stops. For child trailers, always use the harness and a helmet on the kid. Don't ride a trailer in heavy car traffic — pick a bike path.

Questions? Call (541) 705-2438 any time between 7am and 7pm.