To be on the road as a cyclist in the dark in city traffic is dangerous. The police in reflective vest are tips on what measures it will be well seen. Many bicycle dealer offer bulbs that enhance security.
When cyclists and pedestrians are overlooked on the road by motorists, they have to be very lucky to stay unharmed. The risk for them to be victims of an accident is higher than usual in the dark season. Therefore, they should not challenge their luck and even ensure that they are perceived by motorists. The Commissariat traffic accident prevention – protection of victims and the Road Safety advise in the dark season to take extra care and inform about the “security through visibility”. Here is an overview of which means there are, and how they are assessed by their impact ago.
Front and rear light since the summer do not have to be operated with a dynamo these lights – officially approved are now even those with batteries or battery. “There are better and worse. In recent years, the bulbs have evolved,” said Police Chief Superintendent Rainer. Were already halogens lamps and improvement over the old incandescent bulbs, there are now LED lights in vogue. Front lights are fitted to the handlebars, rear lights on the seat post or on the rear luggage rack. Experts such as Jan from the bike shop “Chic Hat” preferred battery-powered lights, because waste is avoided with them (from 54 Euros for both). The simple act of being seen primarily as to who would like to see even the environment better, which requires a headlight.
Reflectors allow because front and rear light only the visibility of the front and rear reflectors ensure that cyclists be seen from the side. These include the classic cat eyes in the spokes (four pieces cost four Euros for example in Eller). By the company 3M, there are also spoke reflectors (about 20 Euros for 72 pieces, for example at Lucky Bike). Also popular are reflective bracelets. With reflective band not only bicycle racks can be pasted, but also walkers. A disadvantage is obviously the lack of ventilation. From the head lamp is not recommended in dense urban traffic, because it blinds other road users often.
Clothes the appeal to wear bright clothing to be visible in the dark, bears little fruit if the winter fashion provides muted colors. Very large areas are perceived cyclists who wear over his jacket a safety vest, as already seen this year a few times. Motorists are required since July, carry them. They are available to buy in hardware stores, among others, in some places even for one or two Euros.
A reflective strip, which can be fastened to the satchel, umbrella or walking frame on the zipper jackets or bags, citizens can obtain from the Traffic Control. The same goes for reflective material that can be sewn into clothing. Both accessories shine in the spotlight at long range. The tape costs two Euros, the yarn 1.70 Euros per five meters.