How to use the warning triangle and where to place it?

A warning triangle is part of the mandatory equipment of every vehicle. Probably every driver knows that. But there are a lot of question marks about its use in the event of an accident or immobility of the vehicle. Let’s take a closer look.

 

You may encounter many unexpected situations on the road. These include those that can (temporarily) immobilize your car. For example, a collision with animals, a flat tire, an unexpected failure, or a collision will not please you. And if you don’t mark the vehicle correctly in such a situation, your mood can be spoiled by a fine.

 

Location of the warning triangle

If you have the opportunity, try to park your vehicle as close as possible to the right edge of the road. There, you are in much less danger of being overlooked by someone than in the fast left lane. If the current technical condition of the vehicle allows it, switch on the hazard warning lights immediately to warn other drivers of an obstacle on the road. Leave it released at least until you have placed the warning triangle. Before getting out of the vehicle, don’t forget to wear a reflective vest.

 

When placing the warning triangle, you must follow §26 paragraph 3 of Act 361/2000 Coll. It says that the warning triangle must be located at the right edge of the road at least 50 meters behind the vehicle. The motorway is 100 meters away. If you can’t easily estimate the distance of 50 m, you can step on it. We assume that the average step of adult measures about 75 cm. Thanks to this, you will know that you just have to walk 70 – 80 steps away from the car and build a triangle there.

 

If you are unable to operate the car yourself, you should take an active part in removing it from the road. Either a professional towing service or even a friend who will come for you and tow you on a rope can help you with that. Until then, you should think mainly about the safety of yourself and others.

 

Warning triangle for slow vehicles

A special category is the warning triangle for slow vehicles. This must mark all vehicles with a maximum design speed of 40 km / h. These are, for example, tractors or other agricultural and forestry machines.

 

The warning triangle must have such vehicles on the rear half of the vehicle in the left half. The lower edge of the triangle must be at least 250 mm above the ground and the highest apex must not be higher than 1 500 mm above the ground.

Tips for correct behavior at the scene of the accident

What do I do in the event of an accident? What should be considered in the event of a crash with an electric car? We have put together a few tips.

 

A car accident happened quickly. Sometimes there is only a bollard in the way, sometimes another car is caught parking. A moment of inattention is enough, and in city traffic, you are rushing into the rear of the vehicle in front.

 

But what if you are involved yourself and one of the cars involved in the accident is an electric car? Are there special regulations or does everything work the same way as with ordinary vehicles?

 

Cordon off the scene of the accident

Regardless of whether it is an accident with an electric car or a combustion engine: One rule always applies: In the event of a serious accident, the first step should be to notify the police and emergency services. In addition, the warning triangle should be set up at a distance of 50 meters and the scene of the accident secured. The locking is necessary: in every car accident, self-protection and the protection of the traffic that is still moving are mandatory.

 

In addition, those involved in the accident and helpers should drive to the right-hand side if possible. This also protects the flowing traffic. Tip: Take a few photos or a short video beforehand so that the accident situation can be identified. In addition, the hazard warning lights should be switched on and the safety vest pulled on. The trunk should be opened for better visibility. This means that vehicles are better recognized in flowing traffic.

 

This measure is necessary. However, if the accident took place on a motorway or a country road, those involved in the accident must also think about themselves. On the motorway, at any time of the day or night, those involved in an accident should not be on the road. For the next step, drivers should climb over the guardrail and approach the other vehicle from the grass verge.

 

Provide first aid

It is compulsory in Germany. However, a certain degree of self-protection is still urgently necessary here, if the circumstances permit. For example, pulling out an unconscious driver on the highway could be too dangerous if the car is close to the road. In this case, the casualty must be looked after from the passenger side. Basically.

 

After the emergency services and the police have been called in the first step, the emergency services should – if one can assess it – be reported to the emergency services about the severity of the injuries suffered by the accident victim.

 

In the best-case scenario, the injured party is pulled out of the car. However, this is not always possible, sometimes the injuries are too severe or the injured person is trapped. The attempt is now made to stop bleeding as well as possible and to keep the injured person as calm as possible. This is especially important if he complains of severe back and neck pain or if he can no longer feel his legs correctly. First aid now consists of keeping the casualty calm.

 

No help possible

There are accidents in which the layman cannot assist. This applies, for example, to an overturned vehicle or in cases where the driver is trapped or the doors and windows cannot be opened. Now the best help is to calm the injured person down. A side window can be smashed.

Even rescue workers give the tip, as the first aider, to look for other helpers yourself. It often happens that other cars stop anyway. It doesn’t hurt to get a second or third person to help.

 

Particular dangers with electric cars

E-cars are more and more common on German roads and are therefore more often involved in accidents. Recently there have been cases where electric cars caught fire, for example, due to short circuits. However, the fire performance of an electric car is no more severe than that of a torn open petrol tank.

 

Deleting is more complicated with e-vehicles. Even the fire brigade has to extinguish electric vehicles in a different way than ordinary cars. The fire extinguisher that many drivers have with them in the vehicle is not appropriate for batteries. The drug of choice is water – lots of water.

 

A bigger problem in accidents is the weight and stability of the vehicle – especially if it is not a small car. Because of their batteries, e-cars are heavier than their petrol-powered vehicles, so that a trapped person can often only be freed with a large device in a spectacular attempt at cutting. The rescue workers are of course adequately prepared for this. The fire brigade, for example, dismantled an e-bus near Munich, purely to prepare for an emergency.

 

Trapped inmates

People who are trapped in a demolished car can hardly or not at all be freed for the layman. Anyone who has ever seen the tools the rescue workers use to pry open the door of an accident vehicle has a good idea of the actual situation. Hydraulic presses are a must here. In any case, cutting out an accident victim is only possible with special tools operated by hydraulic pumps.

 

Burning car

Calling an emergency number concerning the fire and securing it is a must. In addition, the engine should be turned off, if it is still possible to get the key. With normal cars and small fires, the usual fire extinguisher helps initially.

 

Rescue person

In this case, it does not matter whether the casualty is injured during the rescue or has already suffered serious injuries. The person is pulled from the burning vehicle and taken to a safe distance, if at all possible.

E-car or combustion engine: helping counts

 

Whatever car is involved in an accident, it always needs help. It applies “to the best of my knowledge and belief principle”. This means that no first responder will be held responsible for mistakes. In hot and dangerous situations for everyone involved, only the scene of the accident should be secured and the rescue workers called. Helpers should never put themselves in danger.

How to prepare a car for a summer holiday trip?

This year’s summer does not resemble the previous ones, but it does not mean that we should give up the well-deserved rest. A good summer holiday is usually a long trip. How should you prepare your car for such an escapade? What to check, what to repair, and what must be replaced? And finally – what should you take with you on a long holiday trip? You will find answers to all these questions in this summer edition of the iParts.pl guide!

 

A quick check under the hood

Let’s hope that the worse half of the year is behind us. Finally, you will be able to relax a bit and enjoy a really enjoyable summer. The holiday period theoretically started in May, but in Poland, it more and more often starts only in August. With this in mind, we have prepared this short guide for everyone who intends to pack themselves, family, loved ones in a car and go somewhere longer – to the mountains or the sea, not necessarily Polish. Each such holiday trip is a challenge not only for the driver but above all for his car. Therefore, it should always be preceded by appropriate preparations. How should they proceed?

 

Every driver who has carried out a thorough inspection and maintenance of the car in the spring – explains our reliable expert iParts.pl – does not have to make any special preparations for the summer. However, if you are going on a longer, typically holiday route, a quick check of the condition of the car and its key systems is simply a must.

 

In the beginning, the simplest things, everything that each of you can do completely independently and without going under the car. So, we pick up the hood and:

 

First, check the condition of the rubber hoses in the engine compartment. Any signs of damage, chafing, cracking, or scuffing qualify the cable for immediate replacement.

Then we start operating fluids. You should check all of them, with particular emphasis on:

brake fluid,

washer fluid (so often overlooked)

and power steering fluid.

It is best to simply replace the brake fluid with a new one, as is the brake fluid. If you’re still using 15W40 mineral oil, it might be a good idea to replace it with 10W40 semi-synthetic oil.

 

You should also replace the fuel filter, which – if it is already a bit clogged – can cause a lot of problems especially in the case of diesel.

For necessary checking and possible replacement (with any signs of wear) there are also:

V-belts,

fuses,

car bulbs.

Before going under the car, you should also check the condition of the battery and wipers. If you haven’t replaced your wipers in the spring, you should do it right now. Don’t wait until you see for yourself what a summer storm can do.

 

A thorough inspection of the chassis, wheels, and tires

After checking what we have access to after lifting the hood or taking a seat in the driver’s seat, it’s time to go a little lower. Lifting the car will allow you, first of all, to check the condition of the brake hoses, both flexible and rigid. In the case of older cars that have already been inspected some time ago, such an inspection is strongly recommended. Any damage to the cables can be found and removed at this stage – their replacement will simply be a necessity here. What else?

 

With the car on a jack, it is good to check the condition of the wheel, especially the rocker arm bearing and bushing. And – which seems obvious, unfortunately not for everyone – we carry out a thorough inspection of the condition of car tires.

 

The condition of the tires in the car should be checked before each long journey – advises the iParts.pl expert – especially in the summer, during a holiday trip, when we take the whole family with us, and there is a lot of traffic on the main routes. And it is not only about checking the tread height, but also about the general condition of the tire. We pay attention to any cracks, bulges, and pressure. Tire pressure control is extremely important, because too low pressure not only increases fuel consumption by up to 25% and accelerates tire wear, but also reduces the possibility of making sudden, saving maneuvers.

 

When checking the condition of tires, always pay attention to the date of production. Remember that a tire that is more than 10 years old is not suitable for use, especially on longer journeys. If you quickly order a new set of tires on iParts.pl, you can easily replace them before the planned holiday departure day.

 

Important trunk contents

Preparing the car for summer, or only for a summer trip, involves not only checking and replacing parts but also checking the contents of the luggage compartment and supplying it properly. As part of these activities, what should you keep in mind?

 

If you have a spare tire, be sure to check its condition, including tire pressure.

Make sure you have a basic set of spanners for servicing the spare wheel and more.

If your car does not have a spare wheel, get a good tire repair kit.

Make sure you have a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher, and a reflective vest in your vehicle.

You should also put in the trunk:

demineralized water – in the event of a cooler failure,

brake fluid supply – 1 liter is enough,

engine oil – remember that modern engines (unlike the older ones) require engine oil topped up to the maximum,

power steering fluid,

a set of replacement bulbs – in some European countries it is a must-have for every car.

a set of basic tools – flat and Phillips screwdriver, pliers, hammer,

flashlight – so-called headlamp,

good adhesive tape,

first aid kit.

In addition, the car should also have a place for a large amount of water and a packed lunch, which is simply necessary during long summer journeys.

 

Air conditioning service and comfort systems

Whoever missed the spring car check-up and the related maintenance of several key systems in their car, should make up for it in summer as soon as possible. Before the holiday trip, first of all, it will be necessary to service the air conditioning. The air-conditioning system must be checked, cleaned and refrigerant replenished because now comes the real test time for it.

 

You should also check all the comfort systems in the car. So not only air conditioning is important here, but also all multimedia and navigation. Although these systems do not play the same important role as the braking system or clutch, when going on a long, holiday route, it is better to ensure that the comfort of travel is as high as possible for everyone.

When flickers work: an experiment on pedestrian visibility in headlights

Do pedestrians – and all of us, even avid drivers, someday act in their role – to wear reflective clothing so that you don’t get knocked down in the dark? Which reflective clothing should you choose? How to wear it correctly? Whom will it help more: a child or an adult?

 

For children under the age of seven, the choice of reflective clothing is not bad. But buying it for schoolchildren and adults is a problem. Reflective vests or flicker bracelets are easy to find. There are also bags for changing shoes and school backpacks with reflective stripes. Correspondents of Auto review uploaded all this to the editorial “Kalina” and went to the auto testing ground.

 

We put the car at a fixed point to shoot the headlights, placed marking cones (it is easy to determine the distance of the pedestrian’s visibility from them), turned on the dipped beam – and first, experimentally, we found the distance at which a schoolchild in dark clothes is no longer visible in the beams of Kalinov’s headlights: 160 meters. This, by the way, is not bad: the Lada head light beats powerfully.

 

Now let’s put on something reflective for adults and children. AND?

 

The adult’s jacket shone in the headlights like a searchlight, but the stripes on the children’s down jacket barely smoldered.

 

The dim light was reflected by the decorations on the backpack. Although there is a much more important nuance with them: you can easily turn into invisibility if you turn to the car sideways when crossing the road or walk towards it, leaving your backpack and bag behind your back.

 

The same goes for the reflective bracelet (flicker). It can be hidden from the headlights in no time. Therefore, if we are to wear flickers, then it is better in pairs: one on the right hand, the other on the left.

 

A vest is most effective. Just like the jacket, embroidered with bright reflectors: they are visible from any angle!

 

But do reflectors help to increase visibility? How much longer will the driver have in terms of distance and, therefore, in time to spot pedestrians in time and slow down? The bag with “sparkles” disappeared into the dark already 180 meters from the car – it will help to “win” only 20 meters. A backpack with a patch disappeared into the darkness at 240 meters. The bracelets on the arms stopped returning the light three hundred meters away. The driver could no longer distinguish the vest on the child at a distance of 320 meters. And the farthest managed to go to an adult in a fashionable jacket, embroidered with reflective stripes – 368 meters!

 

In other words, the correct reflective clothing can more than double the distance at which a pedestrian can be seen. But at a speed of 90 km / h, the “extra” 160-200 meters in a few seconds that the driver will have in stock.

 

Interestingly, when the same flickers and vests were worn by adults instead of children, the visibility distance increased by 15-20 meters. And if you remove the reflective bracelets from your hands and put them on your feet, the recognition distance is reduced by 80 meters. That is, the higher the reflector is located, the more noticeable it is! That is why jackets and hats with “luminous” stripes are much more effective, for example, trousers or shoes.

 

And clothes with reflectors are more effective than flickers – after all, fixed elements are more reliable than removable ones: ordinary flickers break, are forgotten, and are lost. Clothes, however, cannot be forgotten or lost: if you don’t get dressed, you will freeze.

 

Reflective elements of clothing work according to somewhat different principles than reflectors known to all, that is, reflective “mirror” traps.

 

The first principle: fluorescent paint is applied to the fabric with the addition of a phosphor: a substance capable of converting the energy absorbed by it (primarily light) into light radiation. And the second – a reflective film with a special layer of light-transmitting polymer with the inclusion of glass microspheres that are glued or sewn onto the fabric. Its ability to reflect directionally is explained both by the intense accumulation of light by microspheres and by the mirror-lens effect, resulting from special surface treatment of the microspheres. And to increase the intensity of light reflection, a “mirror” reflective layer is placed under the microspheres.

As a pedestrian you pay a fine for everything

According to the St. Gallen canton police, there is often a lack of clarity as to what rights and obligations pedestrians have in road traffic. They provide clarity in a guidebook recently published.

 

Where do pedestrians have right of way?

People who are on foot in traffic have right of way on pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, and footpaths that are marked with a blue mandatory sign. Every child knows: “I have right of way on the pedestrian crossing!” But suddenly crossing the street on a pedestrian crossing without waiting for an approaching vehicle to stop is not only inconsiderate but also dangerous.

 

In meeting zones, pedestrians always have right of way over rolling traffic. This also applies when crossing the street. This looks different with 30 zones. “Pedestrians are generally allowed to cross the street anywhere, but they have to give way to the vehicles on the street,” says the guide.

 

Behavior at the pedestrian crossing and light signals

According to the police, abruptly entering the pedestrian crossing without taking into account the rolling traffic can also be seen as “enforcing the right of way” from a legal point of view, which is an offense against road traffic legislation. If the lane is crossed next to the pedestrian crossing, this could be punished with a fine of ten francs. This rule applies up to 50 meters before and after the pedestrian crossing. The same regulations apply to pedestrian crossings and underpasses.

 

According to the police, it happens again and again that people in their motor vehicles are distracted while driving. “If someone enters the pedestrian crossing at this moment, dangerous situations or even accidents can occur,” says the guide. Entering the road, for example behind a bus stopping or parked vehicles, is similarly dangerous.

 

Traffic lights also apply to pedestrians, at least those that are intended for such. Entering the lane when it is red and ignoring the light signal can be punished with a fine of 20 francs. “So it is not only worthwhile to wait for the green phase of a light signal for security reasons,” said the police.

 

Behavior on expressways

According to the guide, extreme caution is advised in the event of a breakdown on a motorway. It is advisable to seek protection behind the guardrail immediately when leaving the vehicle on a lane. In addition, you should put on a safety vest as soon as possible. “Regardless of this, anyone entering the road for no reason is punished with a fine of 20 francs and is also extremely dangerous.” According to the police, many underestimate such a situation and the dangers involved.

 

There are also a few things to consider when jogging or walking along the edge of the road without a sidewalk: If you are on a public road, you have to walk on the left edge of the road. If several people are traveling together, they must walk one behind the other. Walking or running is not forbidden, even on stretches out of town, but requires all the more caution on the part of the pedestrian. It is not allowed to stay casually at the edge of the lane of motorways and motorways.

 

Additional security measures

Before starting a walk on the side of the road, the police advise you to think about the appropriate equipment while you are at home. If it is dark outside or the weather is bad, you should wear light-colored clothing or, at best, clothing with reflective fabrics. If such clothing is not available, it makes sense to equip yourself with a flashlight or other light source in poor visibility conditions.

 

The conclusion from the police’s point of view: «Be considerate. Because if all road users pay attention to each other, many dangerous situations can be defused at an early stage or they do not arise at all.”

 

According to police spokesman Pascal Häderli, Kapo SG is primarily preventive in the pedestrian area. “We seek conversation and make pedestrians aware of their misconduct. Most pedestrians appreciate this. Therefore, buses are only distributed occasionally,” says Häderli.

 

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!