We’ll tell you everything you need to know about safety vests when riding a bike: whether it is compulsory, whether it reduces the risk of accidents, and what you should consider when buying.
In Germany, a safety vest is not mandatory
In 2018, 445 cyclists died in road accidents in Germany, compared with 382 in the previous year. To reduce the death rate for cyclists, the German government repeatedly debated whether it should be made mandatory for cyclists to wear helmets or safety vests. But neither is an obligation in Germany to this day.
It looks different in other neighboring European countries. There, for example, it is mandatory to wear a safety vest at night when visibility is poor. These countries include France, Italy, Spain, Lithuania, and Hungary.
That brings a safety vest when cycling
By wearing a safety vest as a cyclist, you are more visible in traffic. This is especially true in the dark or bad weather conditions.
However, this does not confirm that your accident risk will decrease. An investigation was carried out in Great Britain. The results were terrifying: while drivers overlook around 4 percent of pedestrians, drivers do not notice 22 percent of cyclists. Accidents often occur because the driver of the car is looking in the wrong direction, is distracted, or concentrating on a phone call. If this causes an accident, a reflective vest can ultimately do nothing.
Also, many drivers overtake cyclists too close and do not keep the safety distance of 1.5 meters from the bike. A reflective vest only contributes a few centimeters in favor of the safety distance.
You should pay attention to this when buying a safety vest
Since you put on your safety vest as the last “piece of clothing”, make sure that it is big and wide enough. You should be able to wear a winter jacket or sweater underneath.
There is also a safety vest with Velcro. So you can easily open and close the safety vest.
The safety vest only shines through the light in the dark. It is important that the safety vest also has stripes so that it shines a little in a very dark environment. When buying a safety vest, orient yourself on the German (DIN EN 471: 2003 + A1: 2007) or the European standard (EN ISO 20471: 2013).
Over time and after several washes, the safety vest can wear out and lose its reflective effect. Therefore, replace them regularly.
A safety vest is also ideal for children on the way to school so that they can be noticed by other road users.
Practical: Buy a saddlebag in which you can stow the safety vest. Then you always have them to hand on your bike.
Note that a safety vest is only an addition to a roadworthy bicycle with bicycle lights.
More tips to reduce the risk of accidents
- Try to get noticed with your bike in traffic. Pay attention to bright clothing, good lighting, and reflectors. Wear a safety vest in the twilight, at night, or in winter to be visible in traffic.
- Wear a helmet when riding a bike. This can save your life if you fall.
- Ride your bike defensively and with foresight. Expect that a driver may not recognize you or make a mistake.