This is Mr. Bike his company! Our contributor Tanguy, inveterate cyclist urban, moves motorbikes in the streets of Paris. It tells you more about the essential equipment to have to travel by bicycle.
The tips and habits are variable in terms of safety equipment, but the Highway Code imposes certain elements. Here it is mandatory to have on his bike, on the understanding that this is a minimum equipment list and there is no limitation! In short, you need a minimum:
A white light in front and a red light at the rear;
A reflective vest if you drive at night outside built;
Two brakes in good condition;
Lighting in good condition
For night riding a bicycle must be equipped with a white light in front and a red light at the back. These lights are supposed to be fixed and not flashing. But the situation is somewhat unclear, insofar as flashing lights approved in other European countries are normally acceptable in France. Flashing lights attract more attention, but they reduce the ability to predict the trajectories in an unlit environment, the way a strobe. In any event, the lights usually have a fixed mode, and possibly a flashing mode, then to choose between.
White light Also point out that it is essential to respect the planned colors: white front and red rear. Drive a red light on the front is not only unacceptable but also dangerous, because then flows the opposite of what is provided for other users. Additional lights such as brake lights, turn signals for changes in direction or beam lights can be useful but are not mandatory.
The visibility of equipment
In addition to the active light, the bike must be equipped with passive reflectors for good signaling. First a white front and a red rear (Article R313-20 and R313-18.), Often integrated with lights; at least one amber reflector on each wheel (R313-19) allowing it to be seen from the side and some on the edges of the pedals, which are normally supplied with.
Finally, for night driving outside urban areas, the rider must be of a high visibility vest, neon yellow with reflective strips. Additional devices such as reflective strips glued or beam reflectors, can be useful but they are not mandatory.
Reflectors and back reflection
The reflectors and reflective tape are particular features of retro-reflection. To understand what it is, we can compare two types of thinking.
Diffuse reflection: the white shirt
Illuminated by the headlights of a car, the T-shirt of a cyclist diffuses light of headlights in all directions, so it appears white both for the driver and a pedestrian on the edge of the roadway.
The retro-reflection: the reflector
Illuminated by the headlights, reflectors reflect the light in the direction of the light source, which is to say to the car, where they appear bright, as if it were acting electrical fires! On the contrary, a passerby, the reflector will appear dark, as if he was not informed.
To understand the interest of the retro-reflection, it is easy to experiment at home. Take your yellow vest and hang it on a coat rack leaving the reflective stripes prominently. Then, grab a flashlight and stay away from five meters. Then lighten the vest, holding the lamp near your head and admire how you shine when you are illuminated by the headlights of a car!
Vests are also dyed fluorescent yellow, which also has a very special way:
Ordinary color
Under lighting, ordinary objects return certain colors from the light and absorb the rest. Thus, a green shirt essentially returns the green light. White is a special case, which returns all colors and absorbs very little light, so that one can hardly imagine how brighter…
Fluorescent color
In the same light, a yellow vest does not just return the yellow component of the light. It also absorbs the rest of the light, but converts some extra yellow light, they then returns, so it appears brighter than a white object, but only in yellow color!
Finally, far from being a secondary accessory, the bell is also part of the mandatory equipment. Article R 313-33 indicates that it can be heard 50 meters, but without specifying the sound environment concerned. The key is therefore to be properly understood without the risk of pedestrians jump on his handlebars. This would also not consistent with the text that requires a stamp or a bell!
This is self-evident, but bicycle must be equipped with two efficient brakes as indicated in Article R315-3 of the Highway Code. It is therefore necessary to maintain its brakes repaired, provided that the shoe soles are not effective braking devices!