Month: March 2018

My neon bike is reflection and safely

There were the wooden bicycles, the recycled bikes, the electric bikes: here is now the phosphorescent bike with reflective material!

 

The bike is certainly a means of transport very practical and ecological, it does not prevent that its practice remains a little risky. To navigate the traffic, contacts with cars unfortunately become sometimes inevitable. In addition, at night, the risks increase significantly, so much so that since 2008, the reflective vest has become mandatory cycling at night or insufficient visibility, out of town. While a cyclist without a vest is spotted only at a distance of 30 meters, a reflective vest allows apprehending him at more than 150 meters and therefore to react accordingly. Taken in default of wearing the vest, a cyclist is even liable to a fine of 35 Euros.

 

And if the bike itself could signal its presence in the middle of the night? This is the case of the bicycle called “The kilo”, whose frame is entirely phosphorescent. He is the first model of the Glow line (in French: “glow”, “brightness”, “light” …) of the manufacturer. A manufacturer who has a special bond with ethics, since he goes as far as creating certain lines of bicycles especially for causes that are close to his heart: pink bicycles whose profits are donated to the fight against cancer, green bikes that will finance ecological projects…

 

None of this for the Kilo just an original model that every sweet transport enthusiast should instantly fall in love with the reflective elements. We in any case, we validate!

 

 

 

Yellow vest and A2 license required for bikers

Since January 1st, motorcycles of more than 106 hp can finally circulate freely in France … provided to count among the rare models to Euro4 norms, while waiting for the official text ruling on the retrofit! As if this maddening indecision was not enough, 2016 also marks the obligation to hold a yellow vest on motorbikes and scooters and to begin motorcycle training with the A2 license, regardless of age.

 

No, retrofit … but still more restrictions!

Since the beginning of the year, French bikers can ride on motorcycles whose power exceeds 106 hp – after some three decades unjustly restrained! – Provided that they are equipped with ABS (mandatory in 2016 on all new two-wheelers over 125 cc) and that they meet the Euro4 standard, now imposed on all new models.

 

High visibility vest mandatory for 2 and 3-wheelers

If the government voluntarily stagnates when it comes to giving motorcyclists the freedom to which they have legitimate access (remember that no power constraint is exerted in automobile, whatever the age of the driver or the car), its repressive methods, they do not take any delay!

 

Since January 1, 2016, all bikers and scooters must be in possession of a retro-reflective vest and wear it in case of breakdown or accident.

This obligation does not imply (still?) The wearing of the vest while driving, but to hold a “in a storage of their vehicle (net, trunk)”, specifies the official text. In case of control, the fine for lack of vest on board the motorcycle or the scooter is 11 Euros. In addition, if you do not wear it in case of emergency stop, the plum reaches 135 Euros!

 

Two other important details to take into account: From the moment, it is CE approved, this vest “high visibility” may be of a different color than yellow (orange, for example, as those used in public works), even if a large majority of vests sold in the trade adopt the fluorescent yellow. Moreover, a simple armband such as those worn by cyclists is not enough: the decree fixing the terms of this obligation makes explicit mention to a “garment worn on the upper body” type “chasuble, jacket, or safety vest.”

How to avoid accidents in autumn

Whether pedestrian, cyclist or motorist, in the fall, visibility is reduced, especially when the days are narrowing with the passage in wintertime. Here are some road safety tips to see and be seen.

 

In autumn, we review its rules of road safety

Whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist or motorist, in the fall, visibility is reduced, especially when it is time for winter. The risks of accidents are increasing. In 2015, road mortality increased for the second consecutive year, both at national and regional level, while the 2014 balance sheet was rather positive (-8 killed or -4.1% compared to 2013 in Central France). Since the beginning of 2016 (from January to September), according to the figures of the Regional Observatory of Road Safety Center-Val de Loire, we note an increase in the number of dead (+2 killed + 4%) -the trend is similar at the national level (+76 killed or + 3.1%) – compared to the previous year. Here are some safety rules to follow.

 

Pedestrians: 10 rules recommended by road safety

  • On the sidewalk, walk away from the edge
  • Avoid getting off the road
  • Pay attention to vehicles
  • Along a road or street with no sidewalk, walk to the left of the roadway. At night, wear light clothing or a reflective accessory
  • Use pedestrian crossings to cross or, failing that, search for the safest place
  • Before crossing, look left, right, then left again before committing. In the middle of the road, look again to the right
  • At the traffic lights, wait until the guy has gone green to cross. Make sure all vehicles are stopped
  • Never run to cross
  • Be very careful about bicycles and motorcycles that sneak between cars
  • At a crossroads, when crossing, pay attention to vehicles coming from other streets even you wear the safety vest

 

 

 

Wearing the yellow vest will be mandatory

Announced for several months but widely criticized, the decree mandating the wearing of retro-reflective devices was voted. As of January 2013, motorcyclists riding motorcycles or scooters over 125 cm3 will have to wear a yellow vest or armband. The FFMC called yesterday for the mobilization…

 

At the end of the Council of Ministers held yesterday at the Elyse Palace, Interior Minister Claude validated one of the measures announced in the context of the 11 May 2011 IRB and particularly controversial. The voted decree provides that drivers and passengers of motorized two-wheelers of more than 125cm3 will have to equip retro-reflective devices as of 2013…

 

Failure to comply with this legal obligation will be accompanied by a fixed fine of third class (68 Euros) and a withdrawal of 2 points on the driving license. The FFMC reacted by letting it know that it did not intend to let this “measure” go by, which is “tinkered again in haste.” She called yesterday for the mobilization of all her supporters.

 

The FFMC campaign against the law on the wearing of the yellow safety vest in two-wheelers

The essence of the problem is far from new: from the very first announcement, the FFMC expressed its discontent by publishing press releases, launching public poster campaigns (see illustration above) and organizing demonstrations. In response to this call for discussion, the government has simply changed its text … by turning the vest into an armband.

 

This is the misunderstanding among bikers, who do not need such a measurement for many reasons:

The visibility of motorcyclists on the road is already excellent thanks to the 4 retro-reflective stickers on the helmet (legal obligation), supplemented by the headlights for the nocturnal journeys;

Visibility is not a question of lighting or colors of clothing, but more related to the lack of attention of motorists who have not learned to cohabit with two-wheelers, yet more and more numerous;

Why does the measure apply only to two-wheelers of large displacement, and not to mopeds and 125cc? However, they are the least well trained and equipped…

 

In short, for the FFMC, the government is “next to the plate.” With the presidential elections taking place in the spring, the association will have to act quickly if it wants to have a chance to see the government backtrack. That promises great events!

Road safety: how to remain visible when the night comes to fall

Winter is coming, days are getting shorter, night is falling faster, and pedestrians and cyclists are more and more vulnerable to motorists who do not always see them. For road safety, how to remain visible when the night comes to fall?

 

When night falls, pedestrians and cyclists become vulnerable. Imprudence will be make serious consequences. The winter period accounts for almost half of all pedestrians without high visibility vest killed last year, and accidents involving cyclists continue to increase. Therefore, Preventive actions are carried out.

 

Visible up to 150 meters

Sticking retro flexing tapes to the children’s binder or to the backs of cyclists is particularly effective. Beyond 30 meters, an individual with these stickers continues to be visible up to 150 meters. It is also essential that the bikes are visible at night. For this, lights must be installed. A danger spreader can also take place on the two-wheelers so that motorists take more distance to overtake the cyclist. Finally, it is strongly recommended to wear a reflective vest.

A driver hitting and killing two horses, injured riders

One animal was killed on the spot and another had to be euthanized a little later, while two riders had to be hospitalized. The driver was intoxicated and not equipped any safety equipments, according to the first elements of the investigation.

 

The car “tumbled at full speed,” according to a witness. A rare road accident caused the death of two horses near Toulouse and injured two riders, reports this Friday “La Dépêche du Midi.”

 

The scene occurred Thursday, June 22. A procession of six riders, accompanied by a van, takes the side of a section of the departmental road near Mont, shortly before 23h. “They were driving to the left of the road to face any cars, as would pedestrians,” said the mayor of the village.

 

According to a witness, the group was “lit by the white truck of the owner, lights and warnings on to signal them well,” each rider wearing a yellow reflective vest and a bomb on the head. The road is also straight and illuminated at this place, the newspaper says.

 

“One of the horses literally flew in the air”

A car would have emerged and overturned the first two horses in the group. “One of the horses literally flew in the air, as well as his rider, to mow another before going to stop on the side,” says a woman who attended the scene.

 

One animal was killed on the spot and the other one had to be euthanized two hours later by a veterinarian who was there. Two riders were also hospitalized: a woman who left the hospital one week later for kidney pain and four broken ribs and a man for major wounds, which required the installation of six stitches.

 

According to the “Dispatch,” it appears that the driver of the car, a 34-year-old man, without wearing safety vest, was driving while intoxicated. An investigation is opened to know the exact circumstances of the accident.

 

Wearing a yellow vest on a motorcycle

The high visibility vest is now mandatory for bikers. However, they must not wear it permanently. They must have it at hand and put it in case of danger.

 

Since January 1, 2016, every biker must have a “high visibility” vest. However, he does not have to wear it while driving. One year after the entry into force of this regulation, it may be useful to recall the new legal framework. Indeed, neglecting this obligation may expose the rider to a fine.

 

Always have it available

All types of motorcycles are concerned, regardless of the model and the number of wheels: 2, 3 or 4 wheels. If it is not mandatory to wear, the high visibility vest must be with you every day, stored on your motorcycle or on your scooter. If the police control you, you must be able to show it. Otherwise, you will incur a fine of 11 Euros.

 

A vest with standards

Even though we traditionally speak of a yellow reflective vest, the decree in question (# 2015-514) uses the term “high visibility” vest. Indeed, the text imposes 2 standards for the vest (EN 471 and EN 1150), but several colors. To help you verify compliance, at the time of purchase, the standard is on the garment label. The yellow vest is the most common and the name “yellow vest” has become generic. However, you can find a range of regulatory colors: red, orange-red, yellow-green, yellow-orange, green and pink. The only absolute rule regarding these colors: they must be fluorescent.

 

To note

In addition, it must be a vest and not an armband, a belt or reflective strips on the back, pants or motorcycle boots.

 

Wear it in case of danger

You can of course decide to put it on you every day. In winter, in fog, snow, rain, you will be sure to be well seen by all road users. We know, on a motorcycle, it’s absolutely essential.

 

If, on the contrary, the weather is clear and beautiful, the circulation is fluid and without apparent danger, you can leave it in your trunk or your top box. Therefore, like all other road users, it will be imperative to put it if a danger or an emergency occurs. This is the case if you have to stop on the roadside, if you are down in the middle of the road or if you have to take a few steps on the emergency stop strip to reach a terminal. Do not wear a high visibility safety vest in case of emergency stop you are liable to a fine of 135 Euros.