Month: April 2021

What to take with you on a bike trip?

The cycling season is slowly beginning, so it’s worth having a list of accessories that will be useful for your bike. During bicycle trips and rides, it is important to have adequate supplies – especially if you are going on a longer trip. Our list of essential cycling accessories and gadgets includes both the basics and those worth having, but not so obvious. See the TOP 10 bicycle accessories that you shouldn’t go anywhere without!

 

What to take with you on the bike? A must for every cyclist

Spring is blooming, and thus – the season for cycling and cycling trips, both recreational and more professional, is slowly beginning. One thing is certain – you need to be properly prepared for both. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with spontaneously hopping onto a bike in sweatpants on a Friday night, but with the right gear and provisions, every trip will be a lot more fun!

 

There are a few things to keep in mind when going for a bike ride. Check out below a detailed list of accessories that should not be missed when preparing for a bike trip!

 

What to wear on a bicycle? Appropriate clothing is essential!

In the beginning, it is worth ensuring an appropriate and comfortable outfit.

 

Cycling pants should be made of soft, permeable material, but most of all they should have short legs – we don’t want the fabric to catch on the pedal or, worse, to get caught in the chain. Choose special cycling pants or wear regular sweatpants or leggings.

In the case of shoes, it is worth paying attention to the fact that they have hard soles – in the case of soft soles, we can overload the foot. We should also try to keep the laces tightly tied (if we cannot wear unlaced shoes) to avoid them getting tangled up in parts of the bike.

At the top, we can wear a regular undershirt, although it is worth thinking about a thermoactive shirt. For a longer trip, take a sports jacket or a raincoat – it will come in handy when it gets colder or when the weather changes.

Accessories without which you cannot get on the bike! A list of things that are essential

Our list of accessories and gadgets that must be in your inventory during a bike ride includes both classic things and those that do not seem mandatory at first glance but make the trip pleasant and prevent unpleasant incidents and accidents. Below you can check out our TOP 10 bicycle accessories.

 

These things will be useful for your bike:

Repair kit (spare tube/paddles with a pump, tool kit, chain breaker)

Lunch (isotonic drink, bar, fruit, water)

Cape / vest / raincoat with reflective tapes

Telephone, odometer

Helmet and pads

Small backpack/kidney / pannier

Reflective bands

A set of patches for punctured tubes

Plasters, bandages, disinfectant

Take a change of t-shirt

Three key tips from the DGT to get around by bike

In the wake of the pandemic, we are cycling more than ever. These are the three key tips from the General Directorate of Traffic to move around in this means of transport.

 

One of the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic has been the increase in this private means of transport. According to data from the Association of Brands and Bicycles of Spain (AMBE), during the de-escalation, demand soared, and in a few months sales grew more than 300%, maintaining that interest over time. Aware of this, the DGT gives us the three essential tips for cycling.

 

The cyclists are coupled to pedestrians and vehicle users’ mobility, the most vulnerable actors of the road. To circulate safely, it is advisable to put into practice some specific tips that, in addition, are sometimes mandatory rules, such as the use of lights or a helmet.

 

Bicycle lights

On a bicycle, the lights become a safety element that helps the cyclist to be seen by other users at a distance greater than 150 meters. With the regulations in hand, it is imperative to activate them between sunset and sunrise. In addition, they must be approved by the European Union; otherwise, the user may be penalized.

 

How do you have to wear these optical groups? The regulation establishes that it is mandatory to equip the bicycle with a position light at the rear, which must be fixed and white. To it, you must add a retro-reflector of the same color and any shape as long as it is not a triangle. In addition, it is advisable to include yellow reflectors on the spokes or the pedals, although the truth is that they are usually included in most models.

 

To this must be added that the cyclist must wear a reflective garment with reflective fabric if he is going to circulate between sunset and sunrise on interurban roads. Something that can be complemented with light clothing. The chapter on responsibilities closes with the use of a helmet: if traveling by road it is imperative, while in the city only those under 16 years of age should wear it, although for the rest it is advisable.

 

Finally, the DGT adds a couple of recommendations regarding equipment: goggles to put a barrier to dust and insects as well as gloves to protect yourself in the event of a fall.

Good visibility in traffic

Good eyesight is the basic requirement for safe driving. What you should pay attention to see yourself well and also to be more visible to others.

For many drivers, the subject of eye control is done once and for all with a passed eye test before getting a driver’s license. Drivers under the age of 40 often only have reduced visual acuity. These can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. But eyesight naturally decreases with age. It is therefore advisable to have your eyesight checked regularly by an ophthalmologist. This recommendation applies to all road users.

Recognize eye diseases

From around the age of 40, more serious eye diseases can occur that endanger safe driving.

The tricky thing about many eye diseases is that they do not occur suddenly. In many cases, they develop insidiously and are not immediately noticed by those affected, such as cataracts ( cataracts ), glaucoma ( green star ), and age-related macular degeneration. It is therefore advisable to have regular ophthalmological checks.

“Anyone who finds that their eyesight is noticeably deteriorating between these check-ups should consult an ophthalmologist quickly.”

Professor Bernhard Lachenmayr, a specialist in ophthalmology and member of the ADAC medical college

Twilight vision and sensitivity to glare

Especially with older road users, twilight vision can deteriorate drastically due to clouding of the vitreous humor, lens, or cornea. Also, these opacities lead to an increased sensitivity to glare. Anyone who notices these impairments should see an ophthalmologist.

Important: clean the lens and glasses

Drivers should ensure that the windshield is cleaned both inside and out because streaks or soiling cause increased and irritating light scattering. People who wear glasses should wear glasses that have reduced reflections as much as possible at night and always clean them before driving at dusk or in the dark, says Professor Lachenmayr. He strongly advises against glasses with yellow filters or even light protection glasses or sunglasses.

Risks for participation in road traffic

Reduced eyesight increases the risk of accidents – regardless of whether distances and speeds are incorrectly estimated due to reduced visual acuity or whether the more sensitive eyes are quickly overstrained when driving at dusk or in the dark. When driving in tunnels: take off your sunglasses or push them on your forehead.

This is important for drivers

The most important thing for all drivers is functioning and correctly adjusted lighting system. But not only defective bulbs and lamps are problematic, lights, headlights, and windows that are dirty or iced up in winter also impair the visibility of your vehicle and your view of the traffic.

Cyclists should pay attention to this

The following applies to cyclists: perfectly working lighting and the prescribed reflectors can save lives. Wearing safety vests and light-colored clothing with reflectors is not only recommended in the dark and in bad weather.

Pedestrians are safe on the move

Anyone who walks in traffic wearing light-colored or noticeable clothing is perceived much better by other road users. Joggers should use head or belt lamps in addition to reflective safety vests at dusk and the dark. Reflective tags on jackets or bags also increase security.

By bike – active and safe. Check the mandatory bike equipment

Another holiday weekend is ahead of us. Probably many of us will go for a ride at this time by bicycle. Read what is worth remembering, what cannot be overlooked, and what rules to follow to keep your cycling time free from worries and completely safe.

 

During the holidays, we prefer to spend our free time in nature. Often in an active and sporty way. The choice of many people, in this case, is the bicycle. Equally often, we use this means of transport to get to the workplace. Anyone who uses a bicycle on the road should know that a bicycle, like a car or any other vehicle, must meet safety requirements. It should be operational and have obligatory equipment, which should be taken into account, preferably at the stage of buying the bicycle.

 

The bicycle should be equipped with:

 

at the front – at least one white or selective yellow position light (maybe flashing);

at the rear – at least one red reflex reflector not triangular in shape and at least one red position lamp (maybe flashing);

at least one effective brake;

with a bell or other warning signal with a non-piercing sound.

The bicycle can be equipped with:

 

at the front – white reflective light;

on wheels – car yellow reflectors (at least one per wheel);

on pedals – yellow reflective lights;

Continuous ring-shaped reflective stripe on both sides of the tire, or continuous ring-shaped reflective elements on the side surfaces of the wheels.

a bicycle helmet and a reflective vest are not obligatory, but it is worth using them. The helmet protects our head in the event of a fall.

the vest increases our visibility, giving other road users time to behave appropriately.

As active road users, we must bear in mind a few obligations that lie on us as cyclists:

 

– the bicycle rider is obliged to use the bicycle lane or the bicycle lane. The cycle path is marked with a mandatory sign (C-13),

 

– if the cyclist moves along the path for bicycles and pedestrians, he should exercise particular caution and give way to pedestrians,

 

– a child up to 7 years of age may be transported on a bicycle, provided that it is placed on an additional seat,

 

– the cyclist is forbidden to cling to vehicles and ride next to another bike unless this ride does not hinder the movement of other road users.

 

A cyclist can use pavement or a pedestrian path in several cases:

 

– when he is looking after a person under 10 who also rides a bicycle,

 

– when the sidewalk is more than two meters wide, and vehicle traffic is allowed at speeds higher than 50 km / h, we can also drive on the sidewalk,

 

– the last situation is unfavorable weather conditions (snow, strong wind, downpour, dense fog). While walking on the pavement, a cyclist is obliged to drive slowly, be particularly careful and give way to pedestrians, while crossing a bicycle crossing we have priority over vehicles, but it does not release us from the need to be particularly careful in these places and reduce the speed with which we

are driving, do not cross after a pedestrian crossing. At these points, we are obliged to get off the bike and take it to the other side.

 

We should never get on the bike after drinking alcohol. The action of this measure causes our reactions on the road to be delayed so that our driving can lead to a dangerous event. Riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or intoxication is an offense and may result in arrest or a fine.

Mandatory bicycle equipment

Mandatory bicycle equipment. Do you need a bell? What about the helmet and vest? Regardless of whether the two-wheeler accompanies you daily or occasionally, it should meet strict technical requirements and be equipped with several elements. The police clearly emphasize that a bicycle, like other vehicles – cars, motorcycles, or mopeds, must meet safety requirements. And although many cyclists may approach this issue with ignorance, it is worth emphasizing that what a bicycle should be equipped with is regulated by law.

Do you love recreational bike rides? Or maybe it’s your primary means of transport? Regardless, you need to know these rules! The regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure on the technical conditions of vehicles and the scope of their necessary equipment provides for the necessary equipment for a bicycle. Naturally, a two-wheeler should be operational, but what mandatory equipment should it have?

Mandatory bicycle equipment

at the front – at least one white or selective yellow position light (maybe flashing);

at the rear – at least one red reflex reflector not triangular in shape and at least one red position lamp (maybe flashing);

at least one effective brake;

with a bell or other warning signal with a non-piercing sound.

Every cyclist from dusk to dawn or in the tunnel is obliged to use the lights that are obligatory on the bicycle. Also, he must take particular care and turn on the lights with which the bicycle is equipped (front and rear) in conditions of reduced air transparency (fog, rain, etc.).

When riding during the day with good visibility, the position lights of the bicycle may be dismantled, while the mandatory reflector must be installed permanently.

Additional bicycle equipment

In addition to what is an absolute requirement, it is worth equipping our bike with additional elements that will improve our safety. What is it worth, so to “arm yourself”?

What is the obligatory equipment of a bicycle?

at the front – white reflective light;

on wheels – car yellow reflectors (at least one per wheel);

on pedals – yellow reflective lights;

Continuous ring-shaped reflective stripe on both sides of the tire, or continuous ring-shaped reflective elements on the side surfaces of the wheels.

Are a helmet and a bicycle vest mandatory?

This question always raises the greatest doubts. No, a bicycle helmet is not an element required by law, but it affects the safety of the cyclist. Such protection can significantly reduce the severity of a possible bicycle accident. The situation is similar to the reflective vest. Bright green, orange or pink is optional. There is no doubt, however, that it definitely improves our visibility, and therefore safety, especially if we travel after dark.

Bicycle brakes

It does not matter what kind of brakes – rim, disc, or pedal brakes – our bike is equipped with. The brakes are supposed to be functional, or at least one of them.

Bicycle bell

A bicycle bell is a must-have, it is worth remembering that it should emit a moderately sharp signal. Yes, to warn, not to frighten. It is also worth emphasizing in what circumstances we can use it. Its use is fully justified on bicycle routes where the cyclist has priority. We can “call” on the pedestrians and other cyclists on the bicycle path. Otherwise on the sidewalk. In theory, a cyclist should not ride on it, and if he does, calling pedestrians is not allowed!

What insurance to take out for your bike?

Boosted by the coronavirus crisis, cycling is experiencing an unprecedented craze. Popular for everyday and professional journeys, this ecological mode of transport is increasingly appealing to urbanites. But like any means of transportation, it exposes people to risks.

 

Accident, theft, material damage… The bicycle can suffer the same hazards like a car or a motorcycle. While taking out specific bicycle insurance is not compulsory, other guarantees can protect you.

 

In the event of an accident

Just like with a car or a two-wheeler, you can be the victim of a bicycle accident. When this mishap takes place with a land motor vehicle, the cyclist is fully compensated by the motorist’s insurer for his bodily injury. Unless, of course, if he committed an inexcusable fault. Material damage, caused to the cycle, for example, is also compensated by the insurance of the driver at fault. The legal protection guarantee of your multi-risk home contract can also cover recourse to possible persons responsible.

 

On the other hand, when the cyclist is responsible for the accident, it is the civil liability guarantee, generally also included in the home contract, which plays in the compensation for the damage caused. It is the same if the collision takes place with another cyclist or a pedestrian. In this case, certain contracts, like the guarantee of the accidents of the life (GAV), can give the right to additional compensation for the bodily injuries.

 

Finally, if you fall off your bike on your own, that is to say, an accident without liability, it is Social Security and your complementary health insurance which will reimburse or advance medical services. Here again, the GAV can provide additional indemnities to compensate for a loss of salary or a disability, for example.

 

In case of theft

If the bicycle is more and more popular, it also makes thieves happy. Every year, no less than 500,000 of these two-wheelers are stolen. If your bike is stolen after breaking into your home or in insured outbuildings (garage, cellar, etc.), you may be compensated by your home insurance.

 

However, you are not covered for a theft that takes place outside your home. You must take out special insurance for this. It can be an optional guarantee of your home contract, specific insurance for the theft and breakage of your two-wheeler, or even insurance linked to a sports license. But be careful, to be sure you are well covered in the event of a problem, you must follow the instructions imposed by the insurer. For example, you need to invest in a specific anti-theft device. Indeed, your bike must be connected to a fixed point by the frame and the rear wheel. Some contracts also place limits on their guarantees: insurance from 7 am to 9 pm only, limit on the number of flights per insurance period, guarantee ceilings, discount…

 

What mandatory security measures?

 

The use of the bicycle requires special equipment, sometimes even compulsory. Helmets have been required to wear a helmet in particular for children under the age of 12 since 2017 and remain highly recommended for older children. Likewise, if you drive at night, outside built-up areas, you must wear a reflective vest. Finally, your two-wheeler must imperatively be equipped with at least a braking and lighting system at the front and rear, an audible warning device that makes it possible to be heard at least 50 m away, and reflective devices.

What are the obligatory equipment for cycling

You embark on the daily commute to cycle to work or to get around. And you wonder if your bike is equipped as it should. Here is the video that will answer your questions to ride legally and safely.

To ride a bicycle, minimum equipment is mandatory according to the Highway Code. Doorbell, lighting, yellow vest, helmet, we summarize everything for you. You will be able to check if your bicycle has everything you need before you start your travels. Especially since the premium of 50 € for the repair of a bicycle is extended until the end of 2020.

One of the safety issues is above all to be seen by other road users, especially motorists.

Reflectors

These small retro-reflective elements must be on all bikes, at all times, day and night. They are placed in several places on the bike.

A red reflector on the back (or on the trailer, if you have one).

Orange reflectors visible from the side: they are fitted in the spokes (at least one per wheel). If your bike does not have one, it is possible to buy them.

In front, a white or yellow reflector.

And on the pedals, orange reflectors.

Fires

They are compulsory only for driving at night, or during the day when visibility is poor (tunnel, fog). You need two lights:

A position light at the front, emitting yellow or white light, “non-dazzling”, specifies the Highway Code.

A red rear position light must be visible from the rear when the bicycle is in use. Please note, the legislation provides that flashing lights are reserved for hazard lights or turn signals, therefore the lights must be fixed.

Even when there is a street light, the cyclist must have lights. But the Highway Code is imprecise on the power or models required.

Not having a traffic light is punishable by a fixed fine of 11 €.

The yellow vest

The high visibility vest with reflective tape is not compulsory, except outside built-up areas at night or during the day when visibility is insufficient, again outside built-up areas. In these circumstances, not wearing it may result in a € 35 fine.

The retro-reflective or high-visibility vest works, like the reflectors, by retro-reflection. It can also be orange.

The neon color also allows you to be seen from afar when it is daylight. It is then useful even if it is not obligatory.

A doorbell

The bell is compulsory. And it must be able to be heard at least 50 m away. The Highway Code specifies that “the warning device” is “made up of a bell or a bell”. That’s all. Forget the fog horns or horns that make you goofy. Again, not owning one can cost a flat-rate fine of € 11.

Small reminder, it is forbidden to ride with earphones or headphones. Our ears must be able to hear what is going on around us.

Helmet

Helmets are compulsory only for children under 12, and even if they are only passengers. Adults who accompany a child under the age of twelve on a bicycle, but without a helmet, or who transport one without a helmet either, are liable to a fine of € 135.

The issue of mandatory helmets for adults comes up regularly in the debate. Cycling advocates often find this a false good idea, because, to avoid accidents, we should first and foremost develop dedicated bike paths. Especially since forced to wear a helmet would decrease the number of people ready to get on the bike.

Brakes

Finally, of course, you need brakes on your bike. At the front and the back. It can cost you a 68 € fine if your braking system does not comply. If you bring out your old bike that has not been used for a long time, do not hesitate to have them serviced.

This makes cyclists and pedestrians more visible

Darkness, fog, rain – pedestrians, and cyclists are easily overlooked. Lighting is therefore essential. But even when it comes to clothing, it is important to turn an optical adjustment screw.

In addition to reflective clothing with reflective fabric, adequate lighting on the bike is also important. Powerful LED lights are particularly suitable for this.

Autumn and winter are particularly dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists because they are more easily overlooked by drivers and other road users than usual.

But high-contrast clothing, good lighting, and wearing reflectors help them to be more visible and thus to be safer on the road, explains the testing organization Dekra.

Especially with reflectors, the following applies: a lot helps a lot. For both cyclists and pedestrians, the feet of the light beam from the cars are the first to be caught. “Reflectors on the shoes are never wrong,” explains Dekra spokesman Wolfgang Sigloch. But you should also pay attention to reflective clothing on the upper body – be it safety vests or special jackets.

Cyclists should mount powerful LED lights. However, these must always be loaded. A dynamo solution with luminescent lights can also be useful. However, Sigloch advises against the classic dynamo, in which the lamps go out when the vehicle is stationary. Because then it could be that you stand unlit in the middle of an intersection.

How to safely travel by bike? Cyclist’s rights and obligations

Many factors affect the safety of cyclists, from the time of day to weather conditions. However, the most important thing is the behavior of the cyclists themselves, above all respecting road traffic regulations and the ability to anticipate dangerous situations.

The cyclist is obliged to have such bicycle equipment as at least one white or selective yellow position light (maybe a flashing light) at the front, at least one red reflective light with a shape other than a triangle, and at least one red position light at the rear, at least one effective brake, bell or another warning signal with non-piercing sound.

The cyclist is obliged to:

use a cycle path or a bicycle lane if it is marked for the direction in which it is moving or intends to turn,

exercise extreme caution and give way to pedestrians when it moves along the path for bicycles and pedestrians.

If there is no road intended specifically for cyclists or it cannot be used e.g. due to road works, then the rider should move along the roadside, and if it is not suitable for driving – along the road (as close to the right edge as possible).

The law prohibits the use of bicycles on expressways and highways.

Exception: A cyclist may use a footpath or a pedestrian path when:

looks after a bicycle driver up to 10 years old,

the width of the sidewalk along the road where vehicle traffic is allowed at a speed greater than 50 km / h is at least 2 meters and there is no dedicated cycle path and a bicycle lane

weather conditions threaten the safety of the cyclist on the road (snow, strong wind, downpour, black ice, or dense fog).

When using the sidewalk or pedestrian path, the driver is obliged to drive slowly, exercise particular caution, and give way to pedestrians.

With a child on a bicycle

Children under the age of 10 may ride a bike only under adult supervision. A child up to 7 years of age may be transported on a bicycle, provided that it is placed on an additional seat that ensures safe riding. It is allowed to transport a child in a bicycle trailer. Only a person over 17 years of age may transport a child on a bicycle or in a bicycle trailer.

Cyclist and pedestrian crossing

When approaching a pedestrian crossing, a cyclist is obliged to exercise extreme caution and give way to a pedestrian on the crossing.

Like any rider, a cyclist is prohibited from:

overtaking a vehicle at a pedestrian crossing and immediately in front of it, except for the crossing on which traffic is directed,

avoid a vehicle that was driving in the same direction, but stopped to give way to a pedestrian,

driving along the pedestrian crossing.

The cyclist is obliged to obey the following prohibitions:

ride on the road next to another road user (exceptionally, driving a bicycle on the road next to another bicycle or moped is allowed, if it does not hinder the movement of other road users or otherwise does not endanger the safety of road traffic),

clinging to vehicles,

driving without keeping at least one hand on the steering wheel and feet on the pedals,

driving a bicycle while drunk, after the use of alcohol or a substance similar to alcohol,

using a phone while driving that requires a handset or microphone to be held.

The safety of cyclists also depends on other road users. First of all, car drivers who should respect the right-of-way for cyclists in places specified by law:

when approaching the crossing for cyclists, the rider is obliged to exercise particular caution and give way to the bike on the crossing,

if it turns into a crossroad, it is also obliged to exercise extreme caution and give way to a cyclist riding straight on the road, bicycle lane, bicycle path, or another part of the road that he intends to leave,

when crossing the road for bicycles outside the road, the rider is obliged to give way to the bicycle,

the driver of the vehicle is prohibited from overtaking the vehicle on the crossing for cyclists and directly in front of it, except the crossing on which the traffic is directed.

Moreover, when overtaking a bicycle, the rider is obliged to keep a distance of not less than 1 m.

Cyclist, take care of your safety!

The bicycle traffic regulations do not require the use of protective helmets and reflective elements. However, it should be taken into account that the helmet protects the head – the part of the body most vulnerable to injury. In turn, a reflective vest with reflective tape, reflective harness, or bands make it easier for the driver to see the cyclist, especially in difficult weather conditions.