Reflective vest protect you when the days get shorter

Many cyclists are surprised by the nightfall since the transition to winter time”. When starting work in the morning, it is clearer We do not always think the evening, if n has not provided the lighting, we will have to go home in the dark, which is rather surprising , “said Gregory Vita, the Mons responsible GRACQ. This is the period when traveling to school or works are at dusk, as daily Cyclists chose to conduct its “light” campaign. By late afternoon, near the main railway stations, its members distribute chocolates cyclists equipped safety vest to be visible at night, and lighting kits to the worst offenders. “Year by year, the proportion of ill-equipped cyclists decreases, but they still exist.” Thus, if the Observatory cycling in Brussels Capital region is only 58% of cyclists in lighting order in 2008, it now counts 83%.

 

“A difficult period”

The recent figures published by the Belgian Institute for Road Safety reinforce the idea that good visibility is required for both cyclists and pedestrians. According to the Belgian Road Safety Institute, the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured increased from 82% in Wallonia after the switch to winter time. As for cyclists, accidents are six times more at dawn or dusk at this time of year. While in winter, yet it has fewer tendencies to ride his bike in good weather. “As a daily cyclist, we realize that November is a particularly sensitive time. It takes time to get used to. At that time, we have short days so that heavy traffic peak hours are combined with dark and difficult weather conditions, “says Gregory Vita.” If you have no lighting and dark clothing, the motorist will see us until the last moment, and it is there that the accident risk. See not enough, we must also and above all be seen “.

 

Better too much than not enough

How then well equipped to avoid unpleasant surprises? Mandatory equipment imposed by the Highway Code consists of a white front light, a tail light and reflectors at the front, rear, on the pedals and wheels. “There must even go beyond what is prescribed, recommended Gregory Vita: wear reflective vest, a fluorescent chasuble, add small armbands etc. Even if sometimes be ridiculous Over the cyclist is visible, it will be more safe!” In specialized shops, the choice is yours: “What is the best selling, are the fluorescent jackets and reflective elements that wrap around the arm, confirms Elian Demarco, a salesman in a bike shop in the area Mons. Some do not recognize the hazards and must be an unfortunate event that they decide to equip! But I think things are moving in the right direction. “Budget sides, 20-30 Euros are enough to equip well, although the store also offers fluorescent vests with integrated lighting at 65 Euros.

 

Also for pedestrians

Pedestrians, joggers, walkers also grow the shop door to equip themselves, especially if they are circulated outside urban areas. “They equip small lights to put on their backpack or reflective armbands,” the seller. This equipment allows being visible at a distance of up to 150m, allowing the car to have time to slow down, especially when the soil is moist. We also recommend obviously pedestrians and cyclists avoid startling motorists and therefore extra caution during floor crossings, for example

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