How to cross a cattle guard

We don't have many cattle guards in Missouri, so it was a little exciting when I ran across several of them on a recent trip to the western U.S. (Most exciting of all was spotting one just ahead on a mountain descent when we were hitting about 45 MPH . . . ).

From the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association, here are some tips for dealing with cattle guards:

1. ALWAYS cross cattle guards straight, not at an angle!

2. Hold the handlebar firmly and coast if crossing a cattleguard that is wet. Consider dismounting and walking across if in doubt as to your ability to cross safely.

3. Do not slow down too much! Slow speed can cause you to lose control if your front tire slips on the metal rail(s).

4. Rise off the saddle as you cross a cattle guard, using your knees and elbows as shock absorbers.

5. Be alert as you approach the cattle guard, in case there is a problem with the cattle guard. These could include: (1) Gaps between the grates parallel to your direction of travel; (2) Gaps between the grates and the
pavement, perpendicular (at a right angle) to your direction of travel, on both the near and far sides; and (3) Differences in the height of adjacent grates, parallel to your direction of travel. AVOID these if they are present!