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.