If you're new to cycling in Arizona, riding over a cattle guard may be a new experience for you. However, if you've ridden over railroad tracks, cattle guards should be no problem. Here are a few tips to help you ride safely.

Think of the cattle guard as a series of railroad tracks. Maintain a moderate speed and ride perpendicular to the tracks as you go over them. Most cattle guards are installed with the rails perpendicular to the road.

Often two or more grates are placed in the road side by side. In that case there may be a small gap between them where they (almost) meet. (The gap in the figure is painted yellow.) Don't ride over the gap between the grates. If your tire gets wedged in there, you'll fly over the handlebars.

When riding in a group, yell out 'Cattle guard' for the safety of those behind you. It's a good idea if everyone in the group separates so everyone can see the cattle guard as they approach.