Month: April 2021

Many factors affect the safety of cyclists, ranging from the time of day and weather conditions. However, the most important thing is the behavior of the cyclists themselves, especially respecting the applicable rules and regulations of the road and the ability to anticipate dangerous situations. The behavior of other road users towards cyclists is equally important.

 

Mandatory bicycle equipment:

at the front – at least one white or selective yellow position lamp (there may be a flashing light),

at the rear – at least one red reflex reflector of a shape other than a triangle and at least one red position lamp,

at least one effective brake,

a bell or other warning signal with a 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.

 

A cyclist may use the footpath or footpath when:

looks after a bicycle driver up to 10 years old,

the width of the sidewalk along the road, on which vehicle traffic is allowed at speeds greater than 50 km / h, is at least 2 meters and there is no separate path for bicycles and a lane for bicycles,

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 care, 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 ensuring 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 other rider, a cyclist is prohibited from:

overtaking a vehicle at and directly in front of a pedestrian crossing, 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 under the influence of alcohol or alcohol or something similar to alcohol,

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

Cyclists 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. On the other hand, a reflective vest, reflective harness, and bands make it easier for the driver to see the cyclist, especially in difficult weather conditions.

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.

 

Under the Road Traffic Act: a vehicle participating in traffic is to be built, equipped, and maintained in such a way that its use does not endanger the safety of its occupants or other road users, does not violate the traffic order on the road, and does not expose anyone to harm.

 

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 cyclist from dusk to dawn or in a tunnel is obliged to use lights that are mandatory equipment for a 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.

 

The cyclist, helmet, and reflective vest are not compulsory, but it is worth wearing them while cycling. The helmet protects your head in case of a fall, while the reflective vest increases your visibility on the road.

 

Detailed information on the mandatory equipment, incl. a bicycle can be found in the regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 27 October 2016 on the technical conditions of vehicles and the scope of their necessary equipment.

Every pedestrian walking after dusk, on the road outside built-up areas, is required to use reflective elements. It is worth remembering about this, especially in the autumn period, when the days are getting shorter, it gets dark faster and the changing weather conditions do not favor good visibility on the road.

The officers of the Świdnica police appeal to always have a reflective element with you. As they indicate, reflectors significantly improve the visibility of a pedestrian and can even save his life, as drivers can notice him much earlier. Police statistics show that a pedestrian wearing a dark suit is seen by the vehicle driver from a distance of about 40 meters. A pedestrian wearing reflective elements becomes visible even from a distance of 150 meters.

From August 2014, the obligation to have a reflective element, placed in a visible way for drivers, applies to every pedestrian who moves outside built-up areas after dusk. These elements can be items attached to clothes, reflective vests, lanyards, and bands. It is recommended to place them at the level of the hands, knees, around the center of the chest and back.

“Remember that this one, seemingly insignificant detail, can protect us from serious consequences related to, for example, a deduction. Let’s take care of ourselves and our loved ones, especially taking into account the fact that safety, in this case, is so easily attainable,” says Janusz Waligóra, spokesman for the Świdnica Commune Office, handing over the appeal of the policemen from Świdnica.

Cyclists invade the cycle paths of large cities … But there are some rules to follow to ride safely and with serenity!

 

Whether you are an everyday cyclist or a Sunday cyclist, there are rules to follow to circulate safely! Compulsory or optional equipment, traffic rules, penalties, maintenance of your mount. Many financial aids are now available for the purchase or maintenance of your bicycle. But let’s go back in detail to the traffic rules and the equipment you must have to drive safely! Certain breaches are punishable by fines ranging from € 11 to € 90. Do not take his advice lightly, it is for your safety and that of others!

 

Mandatory equipment:

Before getting on your bike, you will have to go around the cycle to be sure that it guarantees you to ride safely.

 

Two front and rear brakes

An audible warning device that can be heard at least 50 m away

A yellow or white front light and a red rear light to be used at night, of course, but also during the day when visibility is insufficient.

Red reflectors at the rear and white at the front. You need a white reflector in front and a red one behind.

The reflective vest to the standards in force for the driver and his passenger. The waistcoat must be worn at night and outside built-up areas, but it is advisable to wear it as much as possible even in broad daylight!

The use of helmets for children under 12 years, drivers or passengers, is mandatory.

If you are transporting children under the age of 5, they must be seated in an approved seat attached to the bicycle. The seat must have footrests and postural belts. And of course, the child must wear an approved helmet.

 

Recommended equipment

Wearing a helmet in all circumstances.

A danger spreader, which is installed on the frame of the bike, at the rear and keeps motorists at a distance in case of overtaking.

Mirrors, because the danger often comes from behind!

Wear light-colored clothing and a reflective vest at any time of the day.

Some practical advice:

Monitor the condition of the tires weekly if you use them daily.

Do not wear a scarf or lose clothing, or heavy bags on the sides.

Use trouser clips or rubber bands to avoid getting caught in the spokes of the bike.

The traffic rules are as follows:

Cyclists, like all other users, must obey the Highway Code and ride safely.

 

When changing direction, extend your arm in the direction you want to go and don’t shift to the left at the last moment. When you stop, raise your arm!

Never wear headphones, earphones, or headphones, it is dangerous and reprehensible. Just like calling while pedaling.

Do not drive while intoxicated.

Riding in town

When they exist, take the cycle paths. If two cycle paths are available on either side of the road, choose the one to the right of the road. Drive in the same direction as the vehicles. You must respect traffic lights and signs. If there is no bike path, common sense dictates that you are riding on the right! In the absence of paths reserved for cyclists, you must drive on the right and not on the sidewalks.

 

Only children under 8 years old are allowed to use them, keeping a reasonable speed. It will also be necessary to park your bike in dedicated places preferably. In pedestrian areas, traffic is authorized on the condition of not sprinting between pedestrians!

 

Driving outside the built-up area

Outside built-up areas, the reflective vest is highly recommended. It is better not to drive too close to the shoulders which are sometimes not stabilized. You have to be wary of the draft caused by the trucks which could destabilize you. Also, remember to keep to the right so as not to surprise motorists on narrow lanes. Finally, when you are riding in a group of fewer than 10 people, you will have to travel in a single file. If there are more than ten of you doing the walk, you will have to split the group in two!

With a winter-proof bike, the right clothing, and a suitable riding style, you can pedal even in snow and ice. Here are the most important tips for winter cyclists.

Good tires and lighting are crucial

Wear light-colored, weatherproof clothing

Always take the Pedelec battery with you into the warm

More and more people use bicycles to commute to work all year round – even in winter. But cycling in winter is only fun with the right equipment.

Winter tires, spikes, and mudguards

There is no compulsory winter tire for bicycles in Germany. In general, cyclists should make sure that their tires have a good, not worn profile. Under certain circumstances, you should even choose coarse MTB tires. If you lower the tire pressure a little, you can increase grip.

Unlike cars, spikes are permitted for bicycles but are not recommended without restrictions. Although they improve grip on snow and ice, they have very poor handling characteristics on dry or wet asphalt. Cornering and braking, in particular, become more difficult. The tire manufacturers Continental and Schwalbe, for example, offer special winter tires for bicycles with and without spikes.

Trekking and city bikes usually have mudguards as standard. Mountain bikes, cross bikes, and other sporty models mostly not. They are not required by law anyway. In rain and snow, however, they make sense to arrive reasonably clean.

Lighting: the regulations

Good lighting is required by law – and vital for every winter cyclist. A headlight with a white reflector, a rear light, and a red reflector is essential. Also, the bike must have reflective strips on the front and rear tires, yellow reflectors in the front and rear wheels or reflective spoke sticks on all spokes, and two yellow reflectors on each of the pedals. Only hub dynamos make sense as a power source, as the old side-rotor dynamos slip through quickly in snow and a lot of water.

Winter clothing: that makes sense

Good, breathable, rain-repellent, and windproof sportswear is relatively expensive, but it makes sense. Belong in the wardrobe:

Bicycle helmet

thin, windproof hat

Gloves

breathable functional underwear

Cycling jackets and pants are windproof on the front, but breathable on the back

Overshoes

reflective safety vest

 

A bicycle is not only a daily means of transport that you can use to travel to work or classes, but riding it is also a great way to spend your free time, sightseeing trips, and relaxation for the whole family. The season still favors two-wheeled users, but the days become shorter and the visibility worsens, which has a large impact on the safety of vulnerable road users.

 

Since the beginning of the year, there have been 11 road incidents involving cyclists in Mysłowice, in which 6 cyclists were injured. The behavior of other road users is very important for the safety of cyclists. In most cases, the events occurred due to the failure to give way to priority. In the reported 6 accidents, the blame was shared equally between cyclists and car drivers. Cyclists aged 25-50 participated in these events.

 

Regardless of age, every cyclist should ensure that he is visible to other road users for his safety. Reflective vest, reflective harness, bands, although they are not obligatory, make it easier for the driver to see the cyclist, especially in poor visibility. One should also remember the proper psychophysical condition. Driving the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or alcohol is an offense that carries a fine or imprisonment.

 

The cyclist’s safety also depends on the technical condition of the bicycle and its equipment.

 

A properly equipped bicycle should have:

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

at the rear – at least one red reflex reflector of a shape other than a triangle and at least one red position lamp (maybe flashing);

at least one effective brake;

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

When using a bicycle, always remember about the applicable regulations

Cyclists must use cycle lanes whenever possible. While driving, the cyclist is forbidden to use the phone that requires the handset or microphone to be held.

 

Let’s remember! Compliance with road traffic regulations combined with mutual kindness, respect, and understanding will certainly improve road safety.