Safety bicycle: you have to shine

“Cyclists, shine!”It is in these terms that the French Federation of Users bicycle registered, in early November, its awareness campaign on lighting both bike and rider with wear reflective vest. Being seen by other road users and thus limit the risk of accidents: that is the challenge. In 2014, cyclists were 4.7% of road deaths. If you ride your bike to the dark hours of the day, these tips safety are for you.

 

Light equipment mandatory safety on the bicycle

It is the rule of the road that says (R.313-4 to R.313-20), any cycle in circulation must be equipped with certified equipment reflecting light or illuminating:

A position light emitting forward a non-dazzling light, yellow or white

A rear position

One or more rear reflectors

Visible orange reflectors laterally

The pedals of any cycle, moped or a light quadricycle motor must have reflectors, except two-wheeled cycle’s retractable pedals

A reflector visible white forward

Any cycle can have at the back and left a reflective safety distance spacer device.

One can opt for the active light; an electrical device emits its own light through an onboard power source (generator, battery, battery, inductive device, etc.) that allows viewing and also to be seen.

 

It must be completed by the passive reflective lighting, indispensable element to ensure the visibility of cycling, and to counter any failure of the active light. This system naturally reflects light in the direction from which it comes, does not require its own power source and is very effective in the auto headlights beam.

 

Finally many reflective smart accessories complete the package: bicycle clip; adhesive paste on the frame, the fenders, the seat post, handlebars, etc. ; circle reflecting the shelves or shelves sticks; tires reflective tape

 

The cyclist’s visibility – Fluorescent vest

Since October 1, 2008, wearing the reflective vest high visibility is mandatory open road at night or when visibility is poor. Without this equipment, the rider is liable to a second class ticket.

 

Reflective clothing

The first simple reflex to adopt when traveling by bike is to wear light clothing and banish all that is dark, day and night, the city and country. The bright clothing used to be visible to 50m, and emerge as the first step to avoid the accident. As soon as the brightness of the day decreases, the clothes are sewn with retro reflective tapes, which allow to be spotted at 150 m,

 

Reflective accessories everywhere

Remains to mix the visible surfaces on the cycling of various reflective accessories reflective armbands for the arm or ankle, back bags or bags with reflective stripes, pants clips, helmets, binders.

 

Finally, bring small lamps or LED headlamps: the luggage on the luggage, clothing, bags, trailers, helmets, key rings…

Good news: it is possible to secure gracefully bicycle! The brand ready-to-wear clothing is beginning to incorporate reflective in their collections. And know that retro-reflective strips to sew everywhere are also commercially available.

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