Tag: reflective clothing

Safe with the bike to work: How to do the bike check!

Finally spring! Finally the bike time! Maybe you can even do your commute by bike. But before you get on the bike after winter, think about road safety. The German Road Safety Council (DVR) gives tips on what you should definitely check before you get back on the pedals.

 

This point should include a bike safety check.

Good visibility:

 

Let’s see you! At the front of the bike, a white headlight and a white reflector should be attached;

Wear a safety vest or reflective clothing;

Equip your bike with a red tail light and a red reflector;

Two yellow reflectors per pedal make you visible to the front and to the rear.

Also, have two yellow spoke reflectors or white reflective stripes on the spokes, rims or tires.

Check that all reflective and retro reflective elements are still in good shape and still perform their task well.

 

Effective brakes: Stop safely!

 

Two independent brakes are required. When you apply the brakes, the wheel should gently come to a stop.

If the levers of the handbrake are pulled through to the handlebar during your break test, the brake must be readjusted.

On the grooves of rim brakes, you can see if you need new coverings. If you are unsure, compare the current pads with new ones.

Disc brakes also need new brake pads from time to time.

Check also the cables of brakes and gearshift for their functionality! Are the outer tracks undamaged and laid without kinks? Can you steer without the cables protruding too far? Do the trains move easily in the cases or do they need lubricant?

 

Intact tires: Ensure the right grip!

 

Especially after the winter break, you should inflate the tires.

Examine the coats of the tires accurately: see cracks, small stones or tissue show through, replace the tire better.

 

Right bell: Make yourself heard!

 

The bell must be bright and effective.

By the way, horns or other devices that produce sounds are not allowed.

 

Perfect chain: Cleaning and greasing are necessary!

 

Maintain your bike chain with chain grease or oil. So it uses more slowly.

A chain change is necessary if the chain lengthens and jumps over the pinions.

 

Your safe bike: Check it with a holistic view!

For details, do not lose sight of the big picture and look at your bike completely: Examine cracks, chafe marks or deformations more closely! Do the saddle and the handlebars fit tightly without twisting? Do you notice loose parts? Are all screw connections tight?

 

A final test drive is part of the bike check!

 

Also, bicycle repair shops do inspections. If you are unable to carry out the above tests and repairs yourself, schedule an inspection by a professional in a timely manner. Because just as when changing tires, the car repair shops, and bike repair shops are usually fully booked at the beginning of the season.

The police explain the tragic accident and calls for careful driving!

A 48-year-old motorcyclist died in an accident that happened yesterday in Żarki on Myszkowska Street. Myszkowianin hit the Opel Vectra, which joined the movement. Policemen from Myszków, under the supervision of the prosecutor, explain the exact causes and circumstances of this tragedy.

 

“The accident occurred yesterday at about 17.00 in Żarki on Myszkowska Street. According to the preliminary arrangements of the roadster, the driver of the Opel Vectra leaving the parking lot during the maneuver of joining the traffic on Myszkowska Street did not give way to the Yamaha vehicle driving from Myszków, which at that time was performing an incorrect overtaking maneuver. Then, as a result of sudden braking, the rider turned the vehicle over. Unfortunately, despite the resuscitation, the 48-year-old died due to injuries. Police officers explain the exact causes and circumstances of this tragic accident,” says Barbara Poznańska, a spokeswoman for the Poviat Police Headquarters in Myszków.

 

Police officers appeal to all users of the traffic:

“Spring is fast approaching with better road conditions, but it does not absolve us from caution!”

 

Damage to asphalt, to the sand on the road and increased traffic, is a potential threat to motorcyclists. Just a moment of inattention, a sharp maneuver and a dump truck on a single track are certain. A motorcyclist is usually a young man. Young people are often characterized by bravado or the desire to show off their peers. These behaviors very often go hand in hand with the lack of driving skills. It often happens that the driver of his fast and heavy vehicle is not able to control it, and then it is not unfortunate. Recall that such a vehicle does not have either belts or airbags. The collision of a motorcyclist with another vehicle or tree usually ends tragically.

 

According to policemen, the most common cause of accidents involving motorcyclists is, among others, excessive speed and overestimation of your skills, passing through a red light, squeezing in between cars and, finally, just showing off.

 

Motorcyclist, remember that public roads are not race tracks! So think about other drivers. Follow traffic rules: do not exceed speed; do not enforce priority; show limited trust in other drivers; Take care of reflective clothing or reflective vest that will make you more visible on the road.

 

We appeal to all managers who are cautious and comply with the rules. Every participant of the road traffic must keep in mind the safety of both himself and others. Remember that in the case of even the smallest collision of a motorcycle and a car, the motorcyclist has the slightest chance of surviving or leaving the accident without injury. “

Road traffic recommendations from the Mureş County Police Inspectorate

In order to travel safely, police officers of Mureş County Police Inspectorate issued a recommendation to all those in traffic, no matter if they are drivers, pedestrians or cyclists.

 

Recommendations for drivers

 

“Drive at speeds that are suited to traffic conditions, especially when driving around the road and do not forget about traffic. Also, for added safety, on the go, increase the distance between vehicles.

 

Drive cautiously, without overriding the vehicle controls, make sure before each maneuver is done.

Observe legal speed! Traffic police officers recall that the excessive speed and the inadequate weather, road or traffic conditions are the main driving factor in road accidents in Romania.

Beginners drivers should as far as possible avoid driving at night or over long distances, given their limited experience and the risk of being involved in road events. “Pedestrian Recommendations” We recommend that pedestrians increase their attention and travel only after what are they sure they can do safely? It is advisable to avoid as far as possible the use of the carriageway, especially after dark and in low visibility. ”

Bicycle Recommendations “Before changing the direction of travel, especially to the left or overrun, make sure that there is no vehicle approaching – front and rear!

 

Move as close as possible to the right edge of the road, and when moving in a group, one column only! Do not ride a bicycle under the influence of alcoholic beverages!

 

Do not carry another person on a bicycle!

It is advisable to wear an approved helmet! To run on the public road, the bicycle must be properly equipped (effective braking device, audible warning device, white or yellow light in front, red backlight and at least one reflective element of the same color)! Before you ride your bike on priority arteries, reduce speed, make sure and give priority to the right!

 

When changing direction, even if you have crossing priority, make sure the other traffic participants understand your intention! ”

 

Recommendations for motorcyclists “Keep eye contact – do not assume that others see you. Always try to have visual contact with the drivers that might be intersecting your trajectory.

 

Anticipate the intentions of your roadmates – even when drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians see you are approaching, they often mistakenly appreciate the distance or speed. Do not rely solely on their good reaction. Increase attention to turns and intersections – the most common type of motorcycle crash is generated by drivers who do not ensure that left turns are turned or that the lane changes. Make yourself in the mirror when you turn – the drivers that come up may not slow down for you.

 

Approach curves with moderate speed without cutting them – many accidents happen because of the opposite direction. Use an approved helmet – which meets current safety standards. Avoid buying a used helmet, you may have suffered an accident, and repair can hide structural flaws.

 

Wear protective clothing for motorcyclists – only this can provide good protection during an accident and protects you from the weather. Modular “layered” equipment is recommended so you can adapt it to the changing weather conditions.

 

Protect your eyes – airflow, flying insects and dust reduce your visibility and can damage your eyes or face. Be visible – wear bright, reflective clothing. Add extra reflective material or wear a reflective vest. Always keep the headlamp lit and run to the position where drivers can easily see you in the rear view mirror (at 2/3 of the belt width). Avoid the dead angles of other vehicles. “

Precautions to take

No matter what type of bike rack you have chosen, when going on vacation, it will be necessary to be careful of the conduct to take to be serious. A vehicle with a bike carrier is not driven in the same way as without a bike carrier. It is for this reason that each person is expected to have a great responsibility to avoid creating disturbances on public roads.

The holidays are often conducive to this type of event: the overload of the vehicle with the business of each, the 2 or 3 children … The car quickly becomes full. The weight of a bike and/or a roof box can seriously affect the ability to ride safely. A heavy car does not stop like a light car. There are several precautions to take into account to avoid creating a huge mistake.

In this article, we will give you many tips to avoid having problems and the different precautions to take into consideration to not receive a fine, when returning from vacation.

How to drive with a bike carrier without problems?

First of all, we must remember that there are 4 types of bike carriers. There is one that is placed only inside certain vehicles. We are going to start on three different types of bike racks, the aim of which is to provide an effective solution for the driver who wants to go on a mop with his or her bikes.

The roof rack is certainly the most dangerous element in some situations. This is particularly the case when there is a lot of wind. The management of aerodynamics is far from being of high quality with 1, 2, 3 or 4 bikes on the roof. The wind will rush everywhere and it will slow down your car. If you are unaware of this, it can be a hazard in braking management or on some steep hill climbs.

To ride quietly with a bike rack with rails that tighten on the roof, it is important to secure all bikes securely so that they can not move and fall, either forward when braking or in back in the climb of a coast or its descent.

For the other bike carriers, the difficulty is much less important, as for the system which is placed on a ball of coupling. The consequences will be almost the same as with a bike rack that will be placed on the trunk of the car. These are usually the wheels that will exceed the width of the vehicle that may cause some problems. In this case, the first thing to do is to prevent the wheels from spinning with speed. A simple strap will do the trick and the vehicle ahead will not be disturbed in its conduct. The second action to be performed is especially valid for the night when the brightness is low. We will specify that it is not because you have planned to leave by day, that you will be able to be sure of returning by day. Just have in his car, a small device to be seen. This lighting system must be waterproof and be closer to the car that will follow you, so it can better calculate and effectively manage its safety distances. By realizing this little trick, you will avoid having damaged bikes (in the case of a low pace) or a serious accident (for higher speeds). This can be a reassuring element, that of placing reflectors on the wheels of bicycles so that they are reflected with the headlights of other vehicles. If, however, you do not have this light device, it will imperatively be necessary to put the number plate. It includes a reflective material to be seen. But it’s much less effective than a flashing red light.

The last advice we can bring is to be serene in his behavior and to redouble his vigilance. Do not lower your guard, respect the Highway Code and do not hesitate to take breaks to avoid all the small errors of inattention. Finally, it is best to wear reflective clothing, such as reflective vests.

Crossing the street on the belts do not guarantee safety.

In the morning around 6:00 am on Pulaski Street in Stochastic there was a tragic deduction of a pedestrian. He passed in a designated place. He died on the spot. The driver of the A3 Audi, driving towards the Monte Casino Heroes Avenue, struck a man passing by at the height of the PKP Stardom station through a pedestrian crossing. The 38-year-old Audi driver was sober.

The details, causes, and circumstances of this tragic event are now explained by the police officers from the criminal department, together with the prosecutor.

The police are appealing for wearing reflective tapes

The use of reflective elements especially in autumn and winter, when it is dark early and visibility is definitely worse, can save our lives. Therefore, wearing reflective clothing by pedestrians should become a habit. Pursuant to the Road Traffic Law, pedestrians who move along the road after dark outside the built-up area are obliged to use reflective elements in a manner visible to other road users.

Correctly worn reflective materials should be placed in such a place that they are in the field of car lights and visible to drivers coming in from both directions (from the back and the front). If you attach a reflective element to the backpack (on the back of the silhouette) it is obvious that it will not be noticed by drivers coming from the opposite direction and vice avers when the reflection will be only in front, the driver behind us will not see him. It is safe to have two reflective elements one at the front and the other at the back or to use such types of reflections that can be seen from both sides, for example, reflective tapes.

Walkers are not seen in the dark, their car crashes are constantly increasing

Red or blue are nothing. Even orange is not the right one. The best is a bright yellow-green. Police and traffic experts advised pedestrians about the weekend, which reflective tapes should be best marked in darkness, rain, mist or snowfall to prevent them from being hit by a car.

“The yellow-green is the spectrum of light that the human eye responds most sensitively to. Silver strips are also made, which are gorgeous but the problem is when the pedestrian gets to places where there is a lot of horizontal markings. It can then merge with it, “says Roman Bud-sky of the Road Safety Team.

He fights for pedestrians to be labeled as reduced visibility by reflective materials in the village. So far, the law only orders outside the village in places where there is no public lighting.

At the same time, most pedestrians are in the cities, and most of them have to collide there. “There are countries where this regulation is already in force, such as Finland, Estonia or Slovakia. We did not want to talk to us because it is politically fierce, but there are pressures to introduce it in the Czech Republic, “Bud-es said.

That these efforts are not unreasonable, the number of accidents is also evidenced. “Only from January to September we had eight hundred pedestrians in the Climber region. It’s about twelve more than last year. The most dangerous are the evening hours, but also the accidents during the day of low visibility, “said spokesman of the Regional Police Directorate, Last Nonesuch.

Reflective tape belongs to the leg, not to the bag

In addition, many pedestrians do not know where to place the reflective tape correctly. The law does not make any difference. “It’s best to put it on your foot over your ankle. The car’s lights shine from underneath and thus illuminate the tape on his ankle before his hands. It’s also often that people put tape on their wrists, but then they cover their sleeves with their sleeves, “commented Market Nonvoting of the Road Safety Team.

For her foolishness, her colleague Buds reflexive straps are woven around the ear of a bag you throw over your shoulder. “It does a lot of people, but that’s nothing. The tape is rolled up, so only a logger is lit. She must be in some area for the driver to register. ”

Experts also urge the tape to be as broad and as it is certified. On the underside, they must have uppercase CE letters. It only ensures that the product is truly reflective.

“It is also possible to buy tapes without this designation and their reflective elements tend to be miserable to zero. At first glance, they are beautifully colored, but they do not even reflect in the dark. So it’s better to pay a few extra crowns for something that will really protect you, “Bud-es warns.

Walkers in darkness and reduced visibility move out of the village without reflective clothing, there is a fine of up to two thousand crowns. And the cops actually give out the fines. At the same time, they warn the drivers that they should do everything in order not to be a risk to pedestrians.

“It’s cooler now, so air humidity condenses on the windscreen and visibility decreases. Glass needs to be degrease from the inside because moisture is kept on grease. Once a year, they also have to change the rubber on the wipers so they can really wipe off. Likewise, few people change the bulbs at the dipped-beam headlamps, except when they break. But even if the bulb does not break, its brightness decreases significantly after years, so it should be replaced from time to time, “recommends Jan Fries-er from the traffic police in the Climber region.

Action light, see and be seen

The “Action Light, see and be seen”, on the initiative of the city of Meerkat, the “General German Bicycle Club es” (ADFC) and the “Association of pedestrian and bicycle friendly cities, communities and districts in North Rhine-Westphalia” (AGFS) goes back, is supported by the police in the Rhine district of Seuss.

The aim is to make the students aware of road hazards. Already in the middle of January, the police accompanied an action at the comprehensive school, Battenberg Leg, for the fifth, sixth and seventh classes. About 175 students were informed about the lighting, condition, and safety of the bike and reflective clothing.

The police also announced to the interested children checks of mediated knowledge and let their words follow on Friday (01.02.). In the early morning hours, on the way to the Maria Montessori Comprehensive School, officials checked the proper bicycle lighting and general visibility of the students, for example by wearing reflective vests or clothing with reflective tapes.

Of about 80 cycling students, nearly 20 had no lights on the bike. The victims were once again reminded of the “action light” and made aware of the dangers of insufficient lighting. The vast majority of children had the prescribed lighting on the bike and had this switched on.

The majority of the “Light-less” students already attended higher grades. From the target group of the fifth, sixth and seventh classes were only two cyclists without the light on the way. Therefore, the action can be considered successful.

He moved without glare

The Łuków policemen determine the circumstances of the accident that occurred last night in Mizary. The 60-year-old has hit the Audi car. The man died as a result of injuries at the scene of the incident. The policemen determined that the walking path did not have any reflective materials.

Yesterday before 7:00 PM the officer of the Łuków command received a notification about a road incident that occurred in Mizary. The application showed that he was hit by an Audi car on the road. The policemen who arrived at the scene of the accident learned that he had suffered extensive bodily injury and died at the scene of the incident.

He moved without reflective clothing

The uniformed workers working on the accident site stated that the incident occurred on a stretch of road outside the built-up area, in a place where there was no street lighting anymore. Preliminary findings indicate that the aggrieved pedestrian, a 60-year-old from the commune of Stockist Malinowski, was on the road and had no reflective elements.

The officers determined that the 61-year-old resident of the Daywear municipality was driving sober. Now, policemen under the supervision of the Prosecutor will conduct an investigation to determine the exact course and circumstances of the tragic event.

Police officers are appealing for wearing reflectors

Many people still do not realize that the lack of reflective elements threatens their safety on the road. Cyclist or pedestrian moving around after dark, on an unlit road, causes a big threat.

He is dressed in dark clothing, without glare, and is seen by the driver of the vehicle from a distance of about 40 meters. However, a walking person wearing reflective tapes becomes visible even from a distance of 150 meters. These extra meters allow the driver to slow down and safely bypass the pedestrian. So let’s follow the rules, let’s protect our lives and health, just wear reflections!

The scouts from Hydrolyze care about the safety of the pedestrian

Some behaviors of road users, both drivers, and pedestrians, are sometimes dangerous and pose a road hazard. Incorrect decisions made by drivers or unintentional entry of a pedestrian into the road are the cause of many accidents. Nowadays, the new danger on the roads is the excessive use of mobile devices such as smart phones, which cause that society (and in particular young people) when moving, focuses less attention on the environment. Pedestrians are advised to wear reflective clothing or safety vests.

With the consent of the Mayor of Hydrolyze, Amateur Bobber, the Hydrolyze scouts run a social action aimed at improving safety at pedestrian crossings. In particular, they would like to take care of the safety of children and youth as part of their activities and to mark visibly on the streets within school buildings. On February 12, 2019. started activities consisting in placing horizontal information passwords in the passageways on the sidewalks and reflecting the barriers with reflective tape.

The end of their social activities involving the complete marking of 9 pedestrian crossings is planned by the end of February 2019. Because of school activities, the scouts devote themselves to the idea and the right cause in the afternoons.

How do I properly install my bicycle lights?

Thousands of people will walk up and down the promenade again this autumn, shining the light on their faces. A bike lighting is required by law – but how is this properly installed? Tips for properly attaching the bicycle lights.

At least since the time change to the winter time, it gets noticeably darker earlier. Cyclists have to fix their lights correctly or they risk to dazzle oncoming traffic or not be noticed. “The lighting should be adjusted so that other road users are not dazzled at a great distance,” says Angela Bultmann of the Minster police.

It should be noted that too high a setting lights directly into the eyes of others, while a too low setting is not detected early by other cyclists. As can be seen on a graphic by Hofstadter.ms, the light cone must be below the headlight height and illuminate more than five meters:

If you want to play it safe, make the test at home: Simply place the bike five meters from a wall on which the headlight height is marked. If the light is above the mark, the headlight must be directed downwards. If he just lights the floor in front of the wall, he is clearly set too low and has to go up.

Which bicycle lighting is required by law?

In order to ensure safe traffic, the legislator prescribes, according to the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC), a whole series of headlamps and reflectors:

– A headlight and a white reflector

– a taillight and a red reflector

– circumferential reflective tapes on front and rear tires or yellow reflectors in the spokes or reflective spoke sticks in all spokes as well

– two yellow reflectors on the pedals

Information from the police

Angela Bultmann of the Minster police points out that even drivers, for example, of mountain bikes, on which no permanent lighting is appropriate, always remember to carry a mobile bike light at dusk and darkness and attach them at the latest at dawn and turn on. Flashing lights are – in principle – not sufficient as lighting, “permanent lights” are required.

Cyclists should also remember to wear bright, visible clothing with reflective fabric in the dark, especially during rush hour traffic. Because reflectors and reflective clothing increase the safety of cyclists significantly – so they are recognized by motorists already at a distance of 150 meters.

It is important to note that a functioning lighting is required for trips during the onset of dusk and darkness. “If there is no lighting – or if it is defective on the bike, this is usually a fine of 20 euros,” warns police spokeswoman Angela Bultmann. For example, the police in Minster are intensifying checks in the dark season. For the own as well as for the safety of the other road users basically, every cyclist should pay attention to a proper bicycle lighting at his Lee.