The National Traffic Code of our country defines a bicycle as a “non-motorized vehicle with two (2) or more wheels in line, which moves exclusively by the muscular effort of the person (s) who occupy it using pedals”.
And this vehicle is precisely the preferred means of transportation for many Colombians. Not only in the countryside but also the cities, the bicycle has been incorporated into daily mobility to go to work, to school, to university. When traveling on the street or the bike path, it is important that the bi-user knows and knows the importance of seeing and becoming visible, essential to circulate on public roads.
Make yourself visible
Cyclists must be visible on the road, for this it is necessary:
uses vests or jackets that make visible to drivers, including between 6 pm and 6 am or where climatic or environmental conditions hinder visibility.
If riding at night, they should have a white light on the front of the bike and a red light on the rear.
Characteristics of a good bicycle light
- The luminous power
There are two types of lights: those that the cyclist needs to be visible, which are those that are recommended for driving on a sufficiently illuminated street. The second category is lighted with suitable power and light beam to illuminate the path of the bi-user.
- The mount
The light mount for urban cycling is the one that allows you to mount and remove the lights quickly and easily. Some mounts are fixed to the bicycle cleta with screw clamps (many without tools), and the lamp is attached by quick release systems. Others hug the handlebar or seat post using silicone saddles.
- The switch
A good switch is one that enc ie NDE, off and change so easily. A good switch prevents the l uz lights accident almente to being inside the backpack or where the rider while carrying does not use it, and thus prevents the battery from being wasted.
- The beam of light
The beam of light mustn’t be too wide (especially in lamps over 100lm ) to avoid dazzling other people on the streets.
- Side visibility
It is also important that the light can generate lateral visibility, since it is not only important to be visible to the person in front of the cyclist but also to the person who, for example, crosses at an intersection with the bi-user. The light must give you 180-degree visibility.
Road safety also depends on the cyclist
98 thousand 362 pesos is the value of the fine to the cyclist who does not wear a reflective vest or carry the lights at the times that its mandatory use is regulated. The vest or jacket must not have superimposed elements that prevent the bi-user from being visible. Road safety is not only guaranteed by those who drive motor vehicles, it is also the responsibility of those who use the bicycle for their daily mobility.