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.

In the dark, pedestrians must wear reflective elements

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine obliged pedestrians to use reflective elements in the dark. The rule applies to people moving on the carriageway or shoulder.

The corresponding decision was made by the government on November 11 during a meeting. Channel 24 reports.

Reflective elements include ribbons, stickers, and vests. Previously, this provision was advisory. Reflective elements are essential in bad weather conditions – rain, fog, and snow.

How and where to attach reflectors?

You can attach this accessory in different ways: on a zipper, tie it with a rope to a belt, or pin it to a jacket with a pin. The main thing is that the reflector is free to “dangle”. It should be noted that all flickers are easily attached to clothes, strollers, backpacks, skateboards, rollers.

Why is it important

The introduction of the norm in the new edition should increase the level of safety of the road network because the presence of reflective elements on the clothes of pedestrians can reduce deaths on the roads by 6 – 8 times.

This is because a person using reflective material elements will be visible at a distance of 130 – 150 meters, while in dark clothes it is visible only at a distance of 25 – 30 meters.

Danger in the dark: authorities warn pedestrians

43 pedestrians were seriously injured and two were killed on the streets of the Grand Duchy in 2019. Most of them – and the press reports from the police and rescue services leave no doubt about this – when crossing marked pedestrian crossings.

In principle, it is obvious that in such collisions on the zebra crossing, it is not the pedestrian but the driver who is to blame and responsibility. Nevertheless, the authorities always focus on the victim, the pedestrian, in their prevention campaign at the beginning of the dark season. So this year too.

In the case of the German-language flyer, no such accusations were made. The motto here is as follows: “Every year, many vulnerable road users are injured or killed during the bad season.” Although the role of the actual cause of the accident in the campaign appears to be of secondary importance, the advice, which year after year, is directed at the weaker road users but consistently makes sense – as part of common sense, which should also prevail in traffic.

Advice to pedestrians, athletes, cyclists, and scooter drivers

Pedestrians are asked to wear light-colored clothing with reflective elements that are visible all around. Bags, briefcases, and umbrellas with reflective and luminous applications should also be used.

On country roads outside the built-up areas, pedestrians should always walk in the opposite direction and wear the mandatory safety vest, the flyer says. Pedestrians should also correctly assess the speed and distance of the approaching vehicles and ensure that drivers have seen them. Dogs should also be put on a reflective collar.

Athletes are also encouraged to wear clothing with built-in reflective elements and reflective armbands and to wear a safety vest outside of built-up areas. Cyclists or scooters should switch on the lights on their vehicles, check the condition of their brakes and install reflectors. They should also wear a helmet and clothing with reflective elements.

Drivers should watch out for mistakes made by pedestrians

In addition to all of this advice, the Ministry of Mobility, the Police, and Sécurité routière also give five recommendations to motorists. You will be asked to switch on the low beam if necessary. They should display their driving maneuvers in good time, adapt their speed to the visibility conditions, and ensure that the windows of their vehicle are clean.

Also, it is emphasized that they should expect possible misconduct by pedestrians in traffic.

Mandatory car equipment: What to bring?

Some time ago, light bulbs and fuses fell out of the mandatory equipment of cars. The composition of the first aid kit has also been simplified.

 

Mandatory car equipment is a common element that police officers examine during roadside checks. For many drivers, it used to be a scarecrow, but from October 1, 2018, mandatory equipment has been simplified in many ways. So what is obligatory to take with you in 2020 and what is no longer necessary?

 

For 2020, the mandatory equipment of the car consists of a reflective vest, a warning triangle, and a first aid kit. On the contrary, a set of fuses and spare bulbs is no longer mandatory. The amendment to the Decree on the Approval of Technical Competence and the Technical Conditions for the Operation of Vehicles on Roads (No. 341/2014 Coll.) This reflects the technical conveniences of 21st-century cars. After all, in the age of xenon and diode headlights, the driver does not change the bulb anyway.

 

In this context, it is also necessary to mention the simplified obligation to carry a spare wheel and a replacement kit. If the car is equipped with so-called running tires enabling indication of a defect and emergency approach, a spare wheel is not mandatory.

 

Even those drivers who, thanks to the assistance service, have a damaged tire replaced or repaired continuously throughout the Czech Republic do not have to carry the reserve with them. An alternative to the spare wheel is a tire repair kit.

 

However, if you do not meet either, you will still need to carry a spare wheel (tire rim), including a wheel wrench and a hand jack with sufficient capacity.

 

As for the first aid kit, from October 2018, it no longer has to include a three-pronged scarf, a patch with a cushion, and a plastic drape. There is also an obligation to change the first-aid kit due to the end of expiration. However, if you use one of the elements, you must of course add it.

 

And what is mandatory within the first aid kit? These are the following seven elements: a bandage finished with one pad, a bandage finished with two pads, a smooth spool patch, a rubber choke bandage, rubber latex gloves, scissors, and an isothermal foil, at least 200 x 140 centimeters.

 

When traveling abroad, it is not out of the question to see what the mandatory equipment is in that country. Yes, although the Vienna Convention of 1968 states that a vehicle should be equipped according to the country in which it is registered, its enforcement is sometimes problematic. Although local police officers should take into account during the inspection that the mandatory equipment in the Czech Republic may differ from the given state, the duplication of laws often complicates the situation. For example, when it is the duty to wear a reflective vest when getting out of a vehicle on the motorway – this is no longer covered by the Vienna Convention.

 

Therefore, when driving abroad, we recommend that you bring a tow rope or reflective vests for all crew members (not only for the driver), which should also be within reach, so they should be located in the cabin and not at the bottom of the boot. In Bulgaria or Poland, it is mandatory to have a fire extinguisher with you, in France an alcohol tester. In winter, pay attention to the local obligation of winter tires.

Changes to traffic rules came into force in Ukraine

In Ukraine, amendments to the traffic rules concerning drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians have come into force.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country, if earlier taxi drivers and passengers while driving in the village, and driving instructors and outside, could not use seat belts, now they must be fastened.

“This rule obliges taxi drivers to provide seat belts in both the front and back seats and to remind passengers to use them. Only drivers and passengers with disabilities, if it is physiologically impossible, as well as drivers and passengers of operational and special vehicles, are allowed not to buckle up in the village,” the ministry explained.

Also, the rule on the prohibition to change the size, shape, markings, color, and location of license plates, to apply additional marks on them, or to close them comes into force. Rooms must be clean and well-lit.

Cyclists, according to the new rules, are allowed to move along the lane for route vehicles.

Pedestrians should use reflective elements at night and in poor visibility conditions.

“At night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, pedestrians who move along the carriageway or shoulder must use reflective elements (reflective tape, sticker, vest, etc.) or wear clothes that have reflective elements. This is indicated in clause 4.4 of the SDA of Ukraine,” the message says.

This is how it is safe to go to school

For thousands of children in Hanover, their school days will begin this weekend. On the daily way to school, there are bus stops, zebra crossings, traffic lights – and other tricky situations. In eight videos, the HAZ gives clear tips on how first graders can cope with their way to school independently and safely.

Hanover’s first-graders celebrate their school enrollment at the weekend, and the new school day starts on Monday. To get to class and then back home safely, the students should also know the most important rules in traffic. The HAZ invites every year at the start of school to the big festival of the HAZ campaign Safe Way to School. Because of Corona, the tips are digital this year: as videos to watch together with the children.

Ulrich Drewitz from the traffic watch in Hanover and Greta Prochworuk participated in the videos. The seven-year-old is already looking forward to her first day of school. Here are their tips:

How do I cross a zebra crossing?

Attention is required at a zebra crossing. Because the cars don’t always stop as they should. Seven-year-old Greta Prochworuk also stretches her arm forward to get attention.

How do I behave at a traffic light?

In this video, Greta shows together with Ulrich Drewitz from the traffic watch in Hanover how to behave properly at a traffic light. Should you still look to the left and right, even if the traffic light is green? Greta explains.

How do I behave on the curb?

The first walk slowly, then really look and finally quickly cross the street: In this video, Greta behaves in an exemplary manner. There is also a tip to draw drivers’ attention to yourself.

How do I get out of a car correctly?

This video is about trips in the parents’ car. What do you have to consider? Ulrich Drewitz from the traffic watch in Hanover emphasizes, however, that it is best not to bring children to school by car. “The best thing to do is to walk.”

How do I behave at a bus stop?

It is important to keep your distance at the bus stop – both to the curb and when waiting with other children. “No crowds,” recommends Drewitz.

Why is a safety vest so important?

The last tip of the small HAZ video series for the start of school comes from seven-year-old Vitus Meyer from Barsinghausen. “A safety vest and light-colored clothing help drivers to be seen better,” says Vitus. Especially in the dark season, children with reflective clothing are easier for drivers to recognize.

Lights and reflective vest: cyclist road safety

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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.