Cycling made easier thanks to the new guide created by the City

It is sometimes difficult to circulate by bike in the city center in Angers. To help Angevins gain confidence, the town hall is making a bicycle guide full of tips available online and in print.

 

Mobility week is next week. And to help Angevins get started on a bike right away, the City has created a guide to feel at ease on two wheels. The idea is simple: remember the few basic safety instructions. It is available on rue de la gare at the Vélo Cité agency, and online. Like the “cyclist’s kit” with helmet, lights, and reflective vest.

 

Scooters are also concerned

Tips for avoiding accidents are also mentioned. For example, stand a meter apart along with parked cars so as not to be surprised by an opening door. Scooters have not been forgotten. They can circulate without a motor on sidewalks but cycle lanes if they are electric.

Winter road conditions – the policemen call for careful driving

Due to the changing weather conditions, driving conditions become more and more difficult. In such winter circumstances, it is really easy to get involved in an accident. Police statistics show that this is the time of an increase in the number of collisions and accidents, including those with the most tragic consequences. That is why the policemen call for special caution and for taking the foot off the gas.

 

Real winter appeared outside the windows. A layer of snow of several centimeters caused the weather situation to change dramatically. It is a reason to be pleased for the youngest during the winter holidays because it will finally be possible to go sledding. However, not everyone is satisfied with the winter weather. For motorists, such conditions make the roads slippery and dangerous. Residual snow or slush causes that car drivers do not always remember the right behavior on the road. And yet, to travel safely, you just need to follow a few simple rules.

 

The uniforms remind you that the road surface combined with rainfall extends the car’s braking distance, and in extreme cases, the driver may skid and not control the car. Overtaking, passing, and cornering in these conditions can be very dangerous. The law enforcement officers make a special appeal to pedestrians not to go directly in front of an oncoming vehicle. Even at a pedestrian crossing, make sure that the driver has time to brake. Every pedestrian and cyclist should also remember their safety and make sure they are visible. A reflective vest, a headband, or even an ordinary flashlight will make it easier to be seen by the oncoming driver when driving on a dimly lit road.

 

“Winter road conditions mean that traffic policemen have their hands full. Not all drivers receive appeals for a reason and the proverbial taking off the gas. Last long weekend, in the Tczew, officers worked in places of 10 road collisions. At that time, there was no road accident and no drunk driver was revealed.” says asp. staff. Dawid Krajewski, spokesman for the Tczew police.

 

During difficult road conditions, the uniforms pay special attention to the daring drivers. Police officers react to such dangerous behavior on the road and also check the technical condition of vehicles, the sobriety of drivers, and the required documents.

 

“There is only one conclusion. Remember that humility and common sense, combined with compliance with the law in difficult winter conditions, means that we avoid unpleasant consequences, but above all, we benefit from road safety.” adds the policeman.

Let’s take care of a safe Christmas together

Soon we will sit down to the Christmas Eve dinner, which we will spend with our loved ones. The days immediately before Christmas are a time when we are all in a hurry, we are distracted and we are still running out of time. Before leaving, remember to secure your apartments and houses well and prepare for the trip.

 

As every year during Christmas, the policemen will take care of our safety. However, we encourage you to immediately forward this information to the responsible services by calling the emergency number 112 if you notice any disturbing situation or behaving strangely. It is also worth taking care of other items, such as a reflective vest, a thermos with a hot drink, or a blanket. Due to increased traffic on the roads, it is worth planning more time to get to your destination. Before leaving, let’s close the doors and windows carefully, and close the main gas and water valves. Additionally, to increase the safety of our property, let’s ask a friendly neighbor.

 

Michael School wants to tame the traffic

For many years, the delivery and collection traffic around the Michaelschule in the district of Bickern has been increasing and many motorists do not obey the traffic rules: parking is prohibited, excessive speed in the streets around the Michaelschule. Parents, the municipal security service, and the staff repeatedly asked individual parents about the wrongdoing, but only a few parents changed their behavior.

A project group led by parent representative Oliver Schomaker is now trying to find a long-term solution to the situation, and in doing so they discover the “traffic tamers”, a program by Angela Baker-Price that is published by the NRW mobility network. The aim is a permanent change in behavior among all those involved.

In the first step, with the support of the Wanne-Eickel traffic watch, all children received a reflective safety vest so that they can be seen by all road users, especially in the dark half of the year. They should wear vests and come to the school gates without a car. To motivate the children to wear the vests, each child collects a star for their class when they wear the vests. If the number of stars collected is set, a joint reward is given, which the children can determine themselves.

In the first week, this is already implemented by most of the children: of the current 413 students, over 360 children wore their vests on Thursday (24.9.2020) and came to school on foot.

Further promotions for the current school year

Little traffic tamers are supposed to tame the dangerous dragon cars by walking their way to school. Big traffic tamers should increasingly abandon their cars. Interested parents are also trained by the police so that they can support all children on their way to school.

In the main phase, a project week is to take place this school year, which deals with further ideas and possibilities for mobility education.

The acting headmistress, Ms. Sezer, looks confidently into the future and speaks of again for everyone involved: “Children themselves become role models in road traffic and encourage their parents to behave accordingly”.

The children are increasingly moving independently and safely in traffic. The environment is protected as not as many car exhaust gases are emitted. The neighbors of the Michaelschule can also drive the streets more easily at the start of school.

All children who move before the start of the class have a big advantage because they arrive at school more alert. The first need for communication and exercise is satisfied by the way to school and these children can get involved in learning much better.

Horses in traffic: be careful especially in the dark

The German Equestrian Association (FN) has produced an information film on the subject of “Drivers meets riders” to educate road users and thus contribute to accident prevention. The information film shows six typical traffic situations in which riders, horses, and cars meet. The focal points treated are “approaching riders”, “approaching the guided horse”, “overtaking riders”, “turning riders”, “crossing roads” and “riders in oncoming traffic”.

It explains in a matter-of-fact, sober manner what needs to be considered about riders and horses as slow road users, according to the Rosenthal riding and driving association.

“We are very pleased that the FN is taking up the topic and recalling the horse as a participant in traffic. Many road users in Rosenthal behave considerately, but the volume of traffic is increasing and does not make it easier for us riders. We wish that horses can continue to take part in road traffic,” says Birgit Niebisch, 1st chairwoman of the Rosenthal-Willershausen riding and driving club.

But not only is the volume of traffic increases, but many vehicles have also become faster and larger. Horses are slow road users and have no crumple zone. A rider on a horse used to be at eye level with a tractor driver, today the tractor tire is often as big as the horse. You can understand that horses, which naturally escape animals, get scared. “We riders would like motorized road users to be made more aware of horses in traffic. Brake early, do not drive too close, overtake with sufficient distance and avoid loud noises such as horns. Consideration for weaker road users in road traffic should be a matter of course for drivers”.

You see horses in traffic every day in Rosenthal. Here the four-legged friends live in more than ten stables, which are spread over the whole place. Every day 15 to 20 horses go through the traffic from the stable to the riding facility. If you don’t want to train there, but prefer to ride off-road, i.e. in the field and forest, you also have to pass roads. The way to the pasture also leads through the village for many, because the pasture does not border on the stable for all. This path is different every day for horse and rider and not always easy.

“We sometimes ride through the village for up to 20 minutes to get to the riding area. This even has advantages: the horse has already completed the warm-up phase in the walk and you can start training directly on the riding facility. Also, the path through the village offers variety, the horses learn to deal with new situations again and again,” reports Birgit Niebisch.

Be careful in the dark

Especially in the dark season of the year, there is a further risk for the horse road user: being seen too late by drivers and possibly being hit. Here chairwoman Birgit Niebisch especially appeals to the riders to illuminate themselves and their horses sufficiently. If you make your way to the riding arena in the late afternoon in the light of day, you shouldn’t forget to have your reflective articles with you so that you don’t be surprised by the dark after riding and have to ride home unlit.

There are all kinds of reflector items on the market, from the helmet lamp and the safety vest for the rider, to reflective blankets and reflective leg protection for the horse, to brightly flashing light rings, to name just a few. It is important to be equipped with reflective or luminous elements on all sides, such as front, back, and sides.

In Toulouse, Archipel Citoyen offers a bonus of 50 to 100 euros for bicycle deliverers

The opposition group Archipel Citoyen will propose to the Toulouse City Council this Friday, November 11 the payment of a bonus of 50 to 100 euros, intended for bicycle deliverers, so that they are equipped with safety equipment.

 

Citizen Archipelago supports bicycle delivery for men. To the point that the opposition group will devote a wish to them, at the Toulouse City Council on Friday, December 11. In particular to offer the payment of a bonus of 50 to 100 euros to each of them, so that they equip themselves with safety equipment (lighting, reflective vest, helmets or knee pads) or have their bikes repaired. A measure that could extend to all the voluntary municipalities of Toulouse Métropole. “Accidents and injuries are frequent when you exercise this profession, it is a matter of public health”, summarizes Michèle Bleuse. She insists on the sharp increase in the number of deliveries during confinement, that of couriers, which would be between 300 and 1,000, to date, in the city, and their risk-taking. “They are encouraged to multiply deliveries by moving as quickly as possible”. Moreover, as a cyclist, the elected Europe-Ecology-Les-Verts notes that the rag is burning more and more between the followers of two wheels and those of the car: “The invectives or provocations keep increasing . And this directly impacts the safety of delivery people”.

 

A working group to change the economic model

If Archipel Citoyen comes to the aid of this profession, it is also “because it responds to the ecological challenge of the last mile”, but above all “, because we must protect the weakest”, in the words of Hélène. Magdo, from France Insoumise. An echo of the social movement of delivery men, started several weeks ago, which demand, above all, the requalification of their status, from auto-entrepreneur to employee. “Today, they have no collective agreement, no right to unemployment, no contribution to retirement and very low social coverage … it is not a career choice,” recalls the elected. This is why the group will propose, in the first article of its wish to the Municipal Council, “to initiate a reflection to develop this economic model, so that it is more protective”, announces Michèle Blouse. This would consist of forming a working group with elected officials and professionals in the sector and supporting certain initiatives, such as cooperative projects.

Cycling safety vest: what the law says

In which cases is the fluorescent cycling vest mandatory?

Regarding the reflective vest, the Highway Code is clear. Article R431-1-1 precisely defines the conditions of the compulsory wearing of the yellow vest:

“When running at night, or the day when visibility is poor, while the driver and passenger must wear a cycle outside urban vest high visibility by regulations.”

 

In other words, the law obliges cyclists to wear a fluorescent vest when pedaling out of town and when the light is low. The notion of “insufficient visibility”, although difficult to define precisely, mainly appeals to common sense. As soon as night falls, it is obvious that visibility decreases. All the more so since public lighting is not as extensive outside the cities as in the city center. The vest allows the cyclist to be visible to all at times when the light is weakest. However, regardless of the time of day, visibility can also be reduced by other factors: fog, rain, snow, etc. Even in broad daylight, the vest also has an effect and its bright colors make it possible to catch the eye of other users.

 

The non-obligation to wear a reflective vest outside of these conditions does not mean that it should not be worn. Whatever the situation, cyclists are strongly advised, for their benefit, to dress in a way that they can be seen. A visible cyclist means less risk of an accident. The motorist who sees a cyclist naturally adapts his driving to the presence of the bicycle. If he does not see him, however, he may not change anything in his behavior. In addition to the essential importance of cycling facilities, by being visible, we reduce the risks when cycling.

 

A fine in the event of non-compliance with the law

Article R431-1-1 also specifies the penalties provided for in the event of non-compliance with the legislation.

“Any driver or passenger of a cycle contravening the provisions of this article is punished by the fine provided for 2nd class contraventions.”

That is to say a fine of 35 € – or 22 € for the reduced fine.

Reflective running clothing and accessories for running in the dark

They are headlamps, luminous vests, leggings, jackets, and other accessories that incorporate high visibility reflective strips and inserts allowing runners to be noticed even in the dark, in the fog, when the weather conditions are more adverse.

 

Sometimes it doesn’t take much to get noticed. A stylish detail, a small detail. Sometimes a reflective insert is enough, which incorporated into a running jacket, leggings or pouch can greatly improve the visibility of those who run in the dark, in the fog, in adverse weather conditions.

 

A light source is enough – such as the headlights of a car, a motorcycle, a bicycle – to “turn on” the special strip in reflect material and make it stand out in the dark, thus allowing the driver of the vehicle to perceive and recognize the presence of a runner even at a distance.

 

Along with reflective running clothing, there are other specific accessories for those who find themselves running on even darker and darker paths: they are headlamps (essential equipment for those who do trail running), vests equipped with neon lights, and lights directional to illuminate the path.

 

Wearing reflective running clothing and using luminous accessories when visibility conditions are particularly poor is not just a gesture of love for your life. It is also a gesture of altruism and respect for all those who, accidentally and simply out of distraction, may not notice – or realize too late – the presence of a runner on the road or who suddenly appears from the darkness or fog.

 

Getting noticed and making yourself as evident as possible is a duty of every serious and conscious runner, which is why we have selected a series of reflective – and intelligent – garments and accessories that are essential to illuminate your runs and allow you to play sports safely.

Comfortable clothes and sneakers: the look of the ‘scooter rider’

Protective elements and comfortable clothes without giving up being trendy for the new centaurs

 

From 2020 electric scooters can circulate in the city. Like bikes and skateboards, the green vehicle can be used for small and large daily trips. With some rules: a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour, the presence of an acoustic signal, and a set of lights.

 

Thus we are preparing to see the mobility of our cities changed through sharing stations or personal and agile means used to go to work or the supermarket.

 

How do you dress as a scooter rider?

 

Scooter clothing

Let’s start from the basics: that is, from the technical clothing required by law. The new legislation requires that the scooter wears reflective braces at night or in the dark to be identified safely. This does not mean having to give up comfortable clothes or having to choose unpleasant solutions from an aesthetic point of view. Reflective fabrics, those that light up when hit by a beam of light are now packaged according to many solutions. From jackets to trousers, to blouses and down jackets, adopting them does not mean feeling ugly and not very fashionable. Indeed there is plenty of choices. Alternatively, you can always choose a comfortable vest. Certainly a little less practical for the movement but easy to find and wear.

 

Another aspect is related to safety equipment. The helmet is not mandatory and neither are the knee pads but beyond what the law says, often the best advice to give is to dress more instead of less. On the market, there are models of light and protective helmets that can also be customized according to your tastes. The same goes for the knee pads; in case of even slight falls, they protect against dangerous and potentially disabling impacts.

 

Heels, sneakers, or flats?

 

Another issue concerns footwear. If, as we think, the scooter is a candidate to become as common as the bicycle, it will not be uncommon that it will also be used to go to work. But will it get along well with heels and a suit? Here we advise you to wear comfortable shoes, sneakers or classic ballet flats, for the time of the move. In your bag, on the other hand, you can easily keep the option with heels to put on before entering the office according to an old trick of expert centaurs.

 

Finally the clothes. The scooter does not need great mobility of the lower limbs but the warnings require that clothing that is sufficiently large to allow you to get on the platform with both feet without hindrance. Just slightly wider jeans or a skirt that is not too tight. So equipped you can enjoy the movement in a green version: we are sure.

3 COLORS TO AVOID IF DRIVING AT NIGHT

Official statistics of the traffic police showed a dangerous trend: the number of fatal accidents increased by 8.2% at the beginning of the year. And the reason for this is the violations of both sides – both drivers and pedestrians. To avoid this, you need to not only monitor your behavior but also pay attention to details. For example, how you are dressed – are your clothes visible at night? WomanHit.ru will tell you about three colors that you should not wear when it gets dark outside.

 

Red

 

According to foreign statistics, red cars are in the top 3 in terms of the number of accidents. The reason is that in the dark it is easy to confuse them with brake light, signs on the road, or red traffic light – anything can distract the driver. For the same reason, we do not advise you to stop on the road for a quick car repair if you are wearing red clothes. Especially if it matches the color of the car – other drivers may not notice you against its background.

 

White

 

White cars are the most popular in the world – for this reason, you will easily merge with the color of the vehicle and increase the likelihood of collisions with a car parked behind you. It is also dangerous during fog – a person in white clothes is simply not visible. Be sure to keep a reflective vest in a bright color – yellow or orange – in the glove compartment. Put it on before getting out of the car, even if you need to be outside for a minute. Believe me, life is more important than saving a couple of seconds.

 

The black

 

This color cannot be seen in the dark due to the peculiarities of the perception of shades by our eyes. You will merge with the general background if there is no constant light source next to you. Plus, a quick shallow figure, even under lighting, is not easy to track if you need to cross the road. When deciding to do this, do not rely on the driver’s conscience – always make eye contact with him, making sure he can see you, before crossing the pedestrian crossing. And if you are out of town, be sure to wear a reflective vest and do not run across, if the car is moving at speed, it is better to wait.