“It’s yellow, it’s ugly, it’s not going with anything, but it can save your life”: this goes for you too, dear cyclists! This evening, the yellow vest is mandatory for bicycles, night and / or open road.
The basic principle is: See and be seen!
There is much talk of the vest and warning triangle, mandatory for motorists since 1 July (for violations, you will verbalized until 1 October).
Cyclists they too are affected by the “extent Reflective vest” mandatory today open road and at night. If the day the visibility is bad (rain, fog, snow …), you are also required to wear. You have the choice between yellow and orange vest: both are approved. They only have the CE and EN 471.
What you risk for violations
As for motorists, the offense will be fined until 1 October: if you are not wearing your safety vest in the conditions listed, you risk a fine of 35 Euros. Cheaper than for motorists: for them, the ticket is 90 Euros (minus fine) and 135 Euros (plus).
It is useful to remember that the helmet and good lighting is also essential to ensure your safety. The law already requires cyclists equip their bicycles with front and rear lights and reflectors on the pedals, but it is clear that the authorities turn a blind eye. This is intolerable: many people have grazed the accident but who still refuse to equip!
The need to equip not gained followers among some associations
According to Cecile Petit, it’s Delegate for Road Safety: “The majority of accidents occur when visibility is low. 20% of cyclists are killed or injured at night, at dawn or dusk.”
Despite this, the Association Cubic up to the plate by blaming among manufacturers: “the problem is the bike manufacturers do not put good lighting, should be required to more demands,” says his President Christophe Raved.
The association regrets this measure, “is an unnecessary obstacle to bike development.” The enthusiasm for cycling is such a simple reflective vest will not hinder the new bicycle! Cecile Petit replied in turn that “the State shall protect road users, and the stress is minimal.”
Some bike manufacturers certainly abusing lights quality of their products, but we need every cyclist takes in hand to move intelligently, without endangering themselves. No longer be assisted!