What safety equipment for a balance bike?

Cycling cannot do without safety equipment. Even before protecting, they reassure children and parents in the practice of two-wheelers. It is also thanks to them that your little one will take confidence in him. Which are the obligatory ones and those strongly recommended? We list them for you.

No practice of the bike without a helmet. Since 2015, the law obliges road users under 12 to equip them. Whether driver or passenger. And if it’s never easy to get it to the little ones, put it on as soon as possible, so that it can be likened to two-wheeled outings. Subsequently, he can even equip himself to make him responsible.

Beyond the safety aspect, the wearing of the helmet will give him confidence. This protection takes away the apprehension he may have when taking speed on his two-wheeler. To facilitate the appropriation of this equipment for your child, choose a model that pleases him. Manufacturers have integrated this data and are redoubling their efforts to make children’s helmets attractive.

The baby helmet Purple star smiley fits head from 45 to 50 centimeters, from about 8 months to 3 years. It has good foam reinforcements, reflective tape, and insect protection. Pretty colors, childish illustrations: its look will appeal to children. They can proudly display it in the parks.

What about the wearing of the bike safety vest

The wearing of the safety vest is not mandatory on a two-wheeler. Nevertheless, his purchase can be very useful. This equipment is primarily used to make visible its wearer with its reflective strips, whether on a balance bike or sitting in the child seat on the mother’s bike. At the park, you can easily follow him in his frantic races and especially, the others will see him. The vest is even more important if you are doing part of the “playground – home” journey on a sidewalk, along a road, or on a path frequented by cyclists. In winter, with the decline in brightness, its port becomes unavoidable. The Child Safety Vest with reflective material is for children ages 3 to 16 with XS to L models.

It is much less difficult for the child to wear a protective vest than to put on the helmet. He does not interfere with his movements and allows him to differentiate himself from other children. He may even be jealous of the courtyards of buildings or public gardens.

Buying it at the same time as a bike without a learning pedal can kill two birds with one stone since it can be used on the parents’ bike and even later when the child starts to ride a bike.

Another essential equipment for cycling without a pedal: closed shoes and pants. In order to better prevent injuries, remember to dress your child so that it is comfortable but also so that it does not lose a shoe along the way. Privileged closed shoes, therefore and pants in case of fall. And for parents, sneakers! Your child will progress quickly on the wheel of his learning bike. He begins to draw turns and better control his speed in relation to the environment around him through a better perception of space. He also assures himself in descents and begins to experience new sensations for his greatest pleasure. This can lead to some impromptu races for parents watching him. Pumps or flip-flops are to be put aside when exits balance for more adequate shoes.

And a little advice from parents to parents: a tip that has been proven to prevent falls. You can slip a scarf or a large scarf under your child’s arms and hold it high to assist in the first few meters or to prevent it from falling. Just like vests with handles in the back, it saves you from staying long with your back leaning and allows you to have a grip on your child.

To share the fun of the child on his two-wheelers, parents can accompany them on their bike. An activity that promises real moments of complicity for the joy of the little one who loves to imitate the big people. However, it is better to do this once the child’s balance is well developed and the learning phase is out of date. On the bike, it is more difficult to intervene with the child. However, by being close to him physically, you can more easily suggest him to stop.

The helmet is the only compulsory equipment for the practice of a two-wheeler for a child. You can complete the outfit with a safety vest especially if your little one rolls on a sidewalk or in the middle of other bikes. Do not forget the equipment for you, in order to follow the racing bike to the rhythm of its progression whether it is in running or cycling.

Be visible on the road, especially now

After dark, which falls in the autumn and winter much earlier, we should pay special attention to whether we are visible on the road as pedestrians or cyclists. Reflective fabrics of clothing or special gadgets placed next to the purse or backpack give the driver a signal to slow down and keep a safe distance. The mysterious test manikin Jan, circling the streets of the city, resembles the importance of this to residents.

Jan’s test dummy is the “mascot” of the “Think Before You Drive” campaign addressed to kindergarten children and primary school students, in which children learn how to be safe on the road. This time you can meet him on the streets, not only in the company of children but also adults, cyclists, walkers or runners. It reminds them of the importance of reflective materials after dark and hands them over to passers-by so that they always have them with them.

Behind the whole action is the factory Bridge-stone, which for 10 years has been looking after the safety of the youngest, conducting educational campaigns throughout Greater Poland. Thanks to it, over 40,000 children took part in security workshops. This time, however, the factory decided to take care not only about children but also adults and seniors.

“It’s good that Jan is! I always tell my grandson to wear reflective vests on himself, and he is not an example. Jan gave me a reflective band and I promise to wear it,” says Biro, who met Jan on the way to shopping.

Let’s talk about security

Classes with the charges of the “Albert” Day Home Stay were led by a policewoman. A talk was about various situations that everyone might encounter about their own safety.

Asp. Isabella visited today (04.12) DDP “Albert” charges. The subject of the meeting was various types of fraud methods. To warn the regulars of the house how the scammers work, the police officer presented films prepared by the Provincial Police Headquarters in Bydgoszcz. They show the methods of action of the perpetrators of fraud “on granddaughter, policeman or officer of the Central Bureau of Investigation”. The discussion that accompanied the meeting consisted of the analysis of the reflective material viewed and a discussion on how to deal with someone who came across such a case.

Moving on the roads was another topic of the meeting and circumstances and causes of road events. Out of concern for your safety on the roads, it is worth having reflective vests. That is why the mentees were equipped with reflective tapes by a policewoman. The meeting also had a workshop part, because the participants had the opportunity to solve the crossword, which the policewomen brought for them. The crossword related to traffic regulations and general rules of conduct in the situation of threats.

To protect yourself from the dead angle

Eye contact at traffic lights and intersections is very important.

In recent weeks, several accidents have occurred, in which cyclists were hit by cars and trucks. One reason: especially truck drivers overlook the cyclists when turning because they are in the dead corner. According to police, this was the reason for the serious accident on Friday afternoon at the junction B 437, in which a 49-year-old had been seriously injured.

What can be cyclists and car and truck drivers do to prevent such accidents? The “nonprofit asked the police. “The so-called dead angle is a very dangerous condition for all involved in road traffic,” warns spokeswoman Andrea: “He can create dangerous situations and in the worst case lead to a traffic accident.” Here are some tips from the police, the general nature, however also specifically aimed at truck and bus drivers:

For motorists

Always use the shoulder view before turning and changing lanes and use existing mirrors.

When waiting at intersections, keep an eye on the right-hand edge of the road and existing footpaths and cycle paths during the red phase.

At intersections, make eye contact with cyclists and pedestrians who ride on parallel paths – this also goes through the rearview mirror.

When getting out of a parked car, with the view of the shoulder, make sure that the door can be opened safely.

For truck and bus drivers

Bend slowly and keep an eye on the parallel and intersecting bicycle and pedestrian paths.

For truck drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, it always makes sense in intersections to assure each other that you can see each other – preferably through direct eye contact with other road users.

Turn off only when you are 100% sure that no one else is at risk. Your mirrors will help you.

For cyclists / pedestrians

Stay clearly visible at intersections, or stay far to the right of a vehicle and wait until it is completely turned off.

In the “dark season” as well as in bad weather reflective materials or reflective tapes should be attached to the clothing.

For bicycles, functioning lighting and reflective vests are particularly important.

At a red light, you should wait behind a waiting bus or truck.

If pedestrians or cyclists cannot see the driver of a truck or bus through its mirror, they too will not be seen.

In unclear traffic situations, you prefer to forego your own prerogative. This way an accident can be avoided.

When parking vehicles, keep a sufficient distance and make sure that doors can open unexpectedly.

Warm up and do not put on too warm

The days are getting colder – the fall has Germany firmly under control. With the right equipment, however, jogging or cycling does not have to be abandoned. Some tips:

Warm up properly: if you come from heated rooms for the sport outside, the organism must first adjust to the low temperatures. Those who start with full intensity immediately inhale the cold air too quickly and risk irritating the pharynx, bronchi, and lungs. This increases the risk of cold. Muscles and joints also take longer to reach operating temperature. Therefore, warm up for five to ten minutes before going to the spot and then get into the usual training.

Do not wear too warm: many recreational athletes dress in winter weather too warm. Athletes dress best in wind or minus degrees according to the three-layer principle: functional underwear, a warm insulating layer such as fleece, which stores no moisture, and a protective layer. This can be, for example, a breathable windbreaker that lets moisture escape from the inside out, but keeps out wind, rain, and snow. Cotton clothing is not suitable because it stores the sweat and cools the athlete faster.

Protecting the head, feet, and hands: It is also advisable to wear a hat, scarf and light gloves because people lose about 40 percent of their body heat over the head and neck. If you ride a bike in winter, you have to protect your hands and feet well against the cold, otherwise, you will soon become numb. In the hands, lined and windproof gloves are a must. Two pairs of socks only help when the shoe is not too tight because the air between the foot and the shoe is insulating. Also neoprene overshoes and breathable rain pants help against freezing temperatures.

Reflective safety clothing: Light and reflective clothing with reflective fabric increase safety for joggers and cyclists. A bright yellow or orange safety vest can also help cyclists feel better in traffic.

Sufficient light on the bike: the bike should be easily recognizable in the dark, both through its own lighting and through reflectors. In addition, this can have expensive consequences in accidents.

Slowing down the speed of biking: With slippery paving, snow, and ice, the risk of falls for cyclists is generally high. Cyclists should definitely slow the pace and neither corner nor break in curves. Also for bicycles, there are now special winter tires and provided with metal pins road spikes. If you also set the saddle a few centimeters lower, you can quickly get in touch with both feet if necessary.

Strengthen the immune system: last but not least, regular exercise such as walking, running or cycling in the cold season not only strengthens the immune system and protects against infections but also helps against the mood low in the dark season. Sport and exercise in the fresh air to stimulate the production of the stimulating hormone serotonin and the circulation. Even in gray, cloudy skies, natural daylight is three to four times as strong as room lighting. Experts advise going outside for half an hour if possible.

Let us shine

Fashion is the opposite of eternity. But perhaps you can extend your own life a few days to eternity with the supposedly fashionable aspect of wearing a reflective vest.

Signal vests are not a fashion accessory. In contrast, they have the potential to do so in the dark season.

Maybe it’s the age that makes people shine, and the concomitant, at best eventually, maturity. However, this does not mean – not that we misunderstand – this prudent and mild radiance of advanced age, that wise, benevolent smile and shining deep inside that finds its source somewhere between heart and stomach and soul.

Meant is this bright orange in the deep street canyons of our city, and the flashing yellow with reflective tapes, which I now daily on the way to work to make me visible and at any cost, and that, although I deny myself any fashion conventions.

Safety vest over everyday clothing, tentatively fluttering in the wind, the elaborate test method of the European standard more than enough (at least the sewn hint), always committed to safety, always reflective, orange and yellow.

Because, quite honestly, back then, as a young road user, I just got on my bike. Dressed in black and thus almost invisible when it was still dark in the morning or the day did not really want to get really bright before clouding winter weather. As a cyclist swallowed by the darkness, thoughtless from today’s perspective, headless, daring even. Youngster just.

At some point, however, he then began, this desire for being seen, this desire for visibility far beyond the own driver, ignoring fashionable aspects, harshly thrown overboard, the own Rader-I ridicule of ridicule in orange.

And maybe it actually has something to do with age, with the onset of awareness of finiteness, always smiling softly on my porter with me driving through the deep street canyons of the city and whispering to me from behind that only survives, the most widely seen becomes.

“Take care of yourself,” whispered the reason, “take good care of yourself and shine well.” The reason, then, as the key to wearing the safety vest according to DIN EN ISO 20471, which, if you look around in today’s traffic once attentive, actually appears more often, in cyclists, pedestrians, dogs, the walk in the dark park.

But not because, as of July 2014, they must be carried by law in passenger cars, trucks, semitrailer tractors, multi-axle tractors and buses and coaches that are to be put into service on public roads.

In more and more countries is now the permanent wearing of safety vests on the bike duty. And while discussions are continuing in Germany about the introduction of safety vests for cyclists, in France the vest for pedals is already an integral part of the garment, at night or in bad weather, even during the day outside closed villages. Failure to comply with the prescribed duty must be considered as a fine.

But this should be taken into account: recent studies from the United Kingdom and the United States prove that wearing a signal vest does not increase the safety of the cyclist, the warning function in the general night glare of urban traffic even rather go down.

So maybe it’s the only subjective sense of security that gives me a beloved vest and makes sense, at least to me, as well as to all the other cyclists and pedestrians and dogs in the dark park, who meet me dressed in safety vests with reflective materials, and because it makes us shine. In orange and warn yellow vest in the deep street canyons of this city.

Difficult conditions on the roads

A layer of ice that is hard to see on the roads can be found – warns the National Police Headquarters and appeals to drivers for caution. Police officers also remind you to wear reflective vests.

Kory from the Traffic Department of the Police Headquarters appealed to the drivers to remember that due to large temperature jumps, a thin, hard to notice the layer of ice may be found on the roads.

“It’s worth every now and again, especially on a longer route, outside the city, slow down and check whether the surface has any grip,” said Kory.

He also reminded that especially in the autumn and winter, wearing reflective vests with reflective tapes by pedestrians and cyclists can save their lives.

“Every participant of the road traffic, in particular, an unprotected participant in traffic should remember that it is very difficult to see his silhouette in the conditions we currently have, such persons should wear reflective materials” emphasizes Kory.

“shined example” with policemen

Adam Mayes helped the policemen in the action “To be an example”, which promotes the safety of pedestrians. He talked to passers-by and urged you to use the reflective vests that he handed to them personally.

Police remind reflections to save lives. “Invisible” pedestrians are a plague of Polish roads.

“The image of the master helps a lot in promoting the improvement of pedestrian safety in our region. Adam Mayes together with uniforms participated in the patrol, during which he handed vests and reflective elements, talked with pedestrians and convinced that it is worth to shine with an example” said a spokesman of the police, Krzysztof.

The policeman emphasized that the use of the reflective element (like reflective material, reflective tape for clothing) makes the pedestrian visible to other road users from a much greater distance. Thanks to this, the driver has much more time to react and safely bypass it.

“It is worth noting that this unusual patrol controlled pedestrians after dark, in places where visibility of walking people is poor. Passers-by, instructed by Adam Mayes, was positively surprised by a direct meeting with the master. They were also happy to receive and use reflections. Of course, there were souvenir photos.” said Krzysztof.

The policeman is reminded that Polish ski jumper, multiple world champion, and medalist of the Olympic Games, has been supporting police actions aimed at improving safety for a decade.

“The master from the Vistula himself sees a great need to improve safety among pedestrian road users. During the action with the highway, he mentions how, returning from the competition, he nearly hit a man who walked along the side and was completely invisible. Since then, he has paid close attention to pedestrians. This situation also made him realize that it’s only a second that someone would lose their lives. ” said Krzysztof Pawley.

The policemen use every opportunity to reach the largest possible group of people and convince them that security depends mostly on themselves. The neighborhoods meet with children in schools and provide them with reflective elements, obtained thanks to the support of local governments.

In this year once again, together with Caritas, they run the Diocese with the campaign “Be an example! Not only in Advent!”. They visit churches and after the rats, which often come grandparents and grandmothers with grandchildren, explain that wearing retro-reflective clothing is the basis for pedestrian safety.

It’s about seeing and being seen

Nationwide action on traffic safety in the dark season.

With these posters the police and traffic guard at the Cottbus Elementary School draw attention to traffic safety in the dark season. Children with self-reflective material will be counted on their way to school by Thursday.

The Traffic Safety Network and the Road Safety Forum of the state of Brandenburg are launching a nationwide campaign to improve the visibility of pedestrians and cyclists, just in time for the dark season. In Cottbus, elementary schools compete for the title “Most Visible School” by Thursday.

The students of the four participating Cottbus primary schools are well prepared: “We are very pleasantly surprised at how well children and their parents are equipped,” summarizes Alexander after the first assignment at the Elementary School. Groh, the board member of the Cottbus Traffic Watch, lists what he has seen: bright clothes, reflectors, shining shoes, white T-shirts, which were brightened up with glowing smileys and – “it had some curious features” – a child with a big one LED bulb on the school backpack. Police officers have called for the action to support the campaign, and until Thursday in the morning hours, children with self-reflective material will be counted on their way to school. The school from Cottbus with the largest share of visible children wins a health and safety day in a Cottbus cinema.

The “Days of Visibility” should only be a prelude to traffic safety. Essentially, it’s about taking as much of this as routine into everyday life. Being well recognized as a road user in the dark season can save lives. In Saxony, 3,332 cyclists died last year, 19 of them died and 1418 pedestrians, 15 of them died. This reports the Ministry of the Interior in Dresden. In Brandenburg, nearly 750 pedestrians and around 2,600 cyclists were killed in traffic during the same period, according to the country’s police headquarters. Often these road users would simply be overlooked that in the dark the accident risk was about three times higher than during the day. Therefore: “For pedestrians and cyclists, bright reflective clothing is the be all and end, because reflective tape foe clothing can still be seen 140 meters away,” says Mario Heinemann from the police headquarters.

The police together with the municipal prevention council support the days of visibility. Also in these days, children in kindergartens and elementary schools as well as inhabitants at weekly markets are made aware of visible clothing.

See and be seen

For the first time, “Days of Visibility” took place in Brandenburg from 6 to 8 November. Called the network traffic safety Brandenburg and the forum traffic safety of the country Brandenburg had called. With more than 100 actions in front of schools, train stations, and other frequented places, pedestrians and cyclists were advised on the topic “Better visibility in the dark season” on foot.

In the spa town and district town cyclists and road users who were traveling on foot, among others in the crossing area and road of the unit on dangers in the dark season pointed. At dawn and at night, the risk of accidents is three times higher than during the day.

Marie Hench from the Traffic Safety Network said: “We would like to point out that pedestrians and cyclists can actively do something for their own safety. Equipped with reflective materials and good lighting on the bike, it is noticeable to drivers in the dark much sooner. Someone wearing reflective vest can be seen from a distance of up to 140 meters, while a person in dark clothes can only be seen from about 25 meters away. ”

In order to be able to convey the problem to children, in particular, the Traffic Safety Network had developed a mascot specifically for the campaign. So with Mole Claus, the topic could also be taught in a child-friendly way. The mole, which was equipped with a warning vest, graced the action posters and the accompanying information leaflet. “The mole cannot see well and because of its size and way of life it is not well visible to others – this is the quality it shares with pedestrians and cyclists traveling in the dark. For his own safety, Claus wears a safety vest with reflective tape for clothing, which makes him an excellent spectator. We especially recommend cyclists to follow suit, “continued Hench.

Against the background that about 850 walking in the state of Brandenburg and 2,800 cyclists in road accidents, appealed Kerstin from the Forum Road Safety: “Walking and cycling are often overlooked easily. Anyone who makes himself visible can reduce his or her accident risk. “Experts predict that the number of serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and cyclists on the road could be reduced by around 50 percent if they were more visible. Appropriate options, from light clothing to reflective stripes on clothing or bicycles, were highlighted in the campaign.

State Secretary Ines Jesse from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Planning added: “The dark season is upon us, which most people notice only after the time change. Then it is necessary to be particularly attentive since the accident risk rises on dark, wet roads. Especially in this time, our protection (b) angels of the road safety campaign “Dear sure. Dear Life. “Also in the nightclubs of the country to draw attention to these dangers. I am all the more pleased that there is such a large stake in the first nationwide “Visibility Days”. It shows that the committed actors of the network traffic safety Brandenburg and the forum traffic safety of the country Brandenburg make an important contribution for more traffic safety. Thank you very much to everyone. ”

Katrina Lange of the Ministry of the Interior and of the Municipal Council, in turn, advises all motorized road users: “In autumn the days are getting shorter and the twilight and dusk periods longer. Being good to see and see means more security. Therefore, the lighting system of the car should be checked in time. These include low beam, high beam, and daytime running lights, fog lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Anyone traveling with a poor lighting system not only endangers themselves but also increases the risk of accidents for others.

The “Days of Visibility” were funded by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Planning and the Ministry of the Interior and Municipal Affairs of the State of Brandenburg. The actions were organized and implemented by regional actors, including the police, community and city administrations, and local traffic guards. The campaign was supported by the ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg, the DEKRA Automobile GmbH and the traffic safety campaigns “Dear sure. Dear Life “and” Get Off the Gas “.