Month: June 2021

Ride a bike… in complete safety!

Compulsory or recommended, many items of equipment help to ensure your safety on the bike. Culture Vélo Georget, in Louviers, can advise you.

 

Cycling specialist since 1928

Established between Evreux and Rouen in the town of Louviers, in Eure (27) in Normandy, since 1928, the Culture Vélo Georgette store is one of the oldest specialized brands in France, and the largest in Normandy with a stock of more than 400 models of road, MTB, VAE (Electrically assisted bicycle) or children. Culture Vélo Georgette offers renowned brands such as Mustache, Trek, Cannondale, Scott, Lapierre, Look, or O2Feel. Since January 1, the marking of new bicycles is compulsory. “400,000 bikes are stolen each year and only 2% are found,” explains Cédric Lecerf, store manager in Louviers. “In Denmark and Norway, where the marking of new cycles is already an obligation, 30% are returned to their owner.” A good lock is therefore essential in your outfit for the perfect cyclist. “The choice of the lock must be made about the use of the bicycle; for racing type use, a spiral lock may be sufficient; if you use your bike for your daily commute, opt instead for a chain or even a folding lock made of hardened steel, and almost inviolable material. The important thing is to secure the frame of the bike”. Count from € 5 for a spiral lock, € 39 for a chain, € 90 for a sound lock, and € 130 for a connected model.

 

Your bicycle safety is priceless!

At Culture Vélo Georgette, you will also find all the essentials for your safety. Starting with a wide range of helmets, for all ages and all types of sports, from € 34. “Helmets are compulsory up to 12 years old and strongly recommended beyond” specifies Cédric Lecerf. “A good helmet offers, in particular, a molding between the outer shell and the lower layer, and some models are equipped with MIPS technology which offers better shock absorption and thus limits the risk of concussion.” Reflectors (retro-reflective devices) and audible warning devices are also compulsory, as is the wearing of a reflective vest when driving outside built-up areas. The installation of lighting systems, mirrors, and hazard spreaders is also recommended by our expert. “Some flashes of light, which are installed on the back of the bike, are visible up to two kilometers! And the danger spreader, for example, also enhances the visibility of cyclists and is very reassuring”. And all this for just a few euros!

 

Tips for cyclists and pedestrians in the dark

In the dark season, pedestrians and cyclists should protect themselves particularly.

For your safety on the road, you should rely on reflectors and suitable lighting, among other things.

 

When darkness, fog, and rain prevail, the visibility of cyclists and pedestrians in traffic is limited. Autumn and winter are particularly dangerous because they are more easily overlooked than usual by drivers and other road users.

 

Pedestrians and cyclists should therefore protect themselves: High-contrast clothing, good lighting, and the wearing of reflectors help to become more visible and thus to be safer on the road, explains the testing organization Dekra.

 

Especially with reflectors, 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.

 

Suitable light means more safety for cyclists

Cyclists should mount powerful LED lights. However, these must always be loaded. A dynamo solution with luminescent lights can also be useful.

 

From classic Dynamo in which the lights go out in the state, advises but rather Sigloch from. Because then it could be that you stand unlit in the middle of an intersection.

How to put your bike in order in 5 steps

Before getting on your mount, it is important to check if everything still holds the road. Some tips for inspecting your bicycle.

 

1- We put pressure

During winter storage, air chambers, even if they are airtight, tend to deflate. “By riding with an improperly inflated tire, you put more effort into moving forward and, above all, you become more vulnerable to punctures,” says Magali Bebronne, program manager at Vélo Québec. We add air, therefore, but no question of going blindly! The recommended pressure in PSI (pound per square inch) is indicated on the sidewall of the tire. This can be achieved with precision using a pump fitted with a pressure gauge. We take the opportunity to take a look at the condition of the tires. If the rubber is cracked, it has lost its elasticity. In short, the tire will have to be replaced.

 

2- We pamper the chain

Next step: checking the transmission system, starting with the chain. “If it is impregnated with dirt, we use a degreaser to clean the mesh with a toothbrush or a tool specially designed for this purpose,” says Thomas Gehrig, bicycle technician at La Cordée Boutique, in Montreal. Dish soap can work well, but a degreaser designed for this purpose will loosen more.

 

We then tackle the lubrication, very important, to be carried out when the chain has completely dried. “If you see traces of rust on the surface, don’t worry. It does not bother at all”, underlines Thomas Gehrig. Apply a drop of lubricant per 5 to 10 links of the chain by actuating the crankset, then remove the excess with a rag. “Be careful not to put too much”, advises the technician.

 

3- We maximize our visibility

“To prevent accidents, we make sure we are visible to other road users,” recalls Magali Bebronne. Those who have read the Highway Safety Code – a fascinating bedside reading – know that any bicycle must have six reflectors: one white at the front and one red at the rear, at least one visibility accessory (reflector or reflective strip) on the front wheel and the rear wheel, as well as a yellow or white reflector at each pedal (or the cyclist must wear reflective strips at each ankle).

 

At nightfall, the Highway Safety Code requires the use of a white headlight at the front and a red at the rear, which may or may not be flashing. Violators face fines of $ 80 to $ 100.

 

4- We reduce the transmission to silence

The transmission of a bicycle must not make noise. “If it squeaks, it is a sign that there is a problem”, indicates Magali Bebronne. Small adjustments can then be made using a screwdriver. How to do it? There are two screws on the derailleur that you tighten or loosen, sliding this part to the left or the right. We align the derailleur like this. But if our bike screams at the slightest turn of the crank, it is better to go to the nearest workshop.

 

5- We maintain the braking system

Being able to brake safely and effectively is essential. Make sure that the brake pads are in good condition – these are the parts that come into contact with the wheel rims when braking. “These skates have grooves. If they have almost disappeared, it’s time to change them,” explains Magali Bebronne.

 

We then check whether the pads are properly aligned. They should close on the center of the rim and not on the tire, without constantly rubbing on the rim. In the case of disc brakes, such as high-end mounts, the condition of the pads is examined, which can be damaged in transport or storage. “They have to be perfectly straight,” says Thomas Gehrig. Otherwise, a visit to the workshop is required.

 

When the brakes are applied, the wheels should lock firmly. That’s the job of the cables, but they often become misaligned over time. You don’t need an engineering degree to fix the problem – just adjust the tension with the adjusting barrels on the lever. No tools are required, these parts are handled with the fingers. “At the same time, you can see that the brake lever does not trap your fingers when it is fully actuated. If that happens, that means the brake is too soft,” says Magali Bebronne.

 

Which lubricant to choose?

There are two types of lubricant on the market: “Dry”, for dry environments, and “Wet”, more viscous, for humid conditions. Both do a good job, but the “Dry” formula requires more regular application. For example, if you’ve been driving in the rain, you have to put some back on before the next outing. However, this product has the advantage of being less messy than the other for clothes and legs. A plus when traveling on two wheels to go to work or a restaurant.

Safe motorcyclist

The policemen from the Grudziądz “traffic guys” are starting the “Safe motorcyclist” program, which aims to improve the safety of this category of road users. Mismatching speed to traffic conditions, incorrect overtaking, not keeping a safe distance between vehicles are some of the “sins” of motorcyclists, which most often lead to serious road incidents. Other road users are not at fault either.

 

The beginning of spring is the time when we start thinking about the first motorcycle rides. More and more two-wheelers enthusiasts appear on our roads. The number of motorcycle enthusiasts increases every year. Along with this number, unfortunately, their share in road accidents increases, which often end tragically for them.

 

The effects of road accidents involving two-wheelers are much more serious than that of a passenger vehicle. In such an event, the motorcyclist is protected only by personal protective clothing: helmet, coverall, gloves, and appropriate shoes. A motorcyclist should also ensure adequate visibility on the road – the correct condition of lights, a safety vest, motorcycle harness, or even the right color of the helmet.

 

Protective clothing is essential, but you should also remember to follow the regulations. Motorcyclist – the road is not a racetrack. You should adjust the speed to the traffic conditions, signal early and clearly about the intention to change the direction of travel or lane and keep an appropriate distance from other vehicles.

 

Attention should also be paid to other road users. Driver, remember! Motorcycles, due to their dimensions and relatively high power, move much more dynamically than, for example, passenger vehicles. Their acceleration is very high. When turning, changing lanes, or entering traffic, be sure to pay attention to motorcyclists. Try to focus your attention on him a little longer to judge the distance and his approach speed. For you, it is just a few seconds more, for a motorcyclist, the lack of this time often means the inability to react and avoid a serious accident.

 

Regardless of what vehicle you are driving, remember that every road user must take care of their safety and that of other road users. Let’s take care of each other. With mutual respect, there will be room for everyone on the way.