Helmet, lights and vest, mandatory for cyclists

Yesterday, the text of the District Decree that obliges cyclists and users of other non-motorized vehicles of Barranquilla to use a helmet permanently, and light and a reflective vest (sewn-in reflective fabric) during the night was made public.

The drivers of these vehicles will also not be able to drive on the platforms or other public areas of the city designed for pedestrian traffic and will have to respect the rules and traffic signs, including those related to speed limits.

The violation of these provisions will be grounds for imposing fines of four daily minimum wages to offenders, and five minimum wages to those who, once reprimanded, do not comply with the citation to the pedagogical and training courses that will be issued to disseminate the Cycling culture in the city. The following is some of the new rules for the circulation of bicycles (see the full text of the Decree).

To. You must transit on the right to no more than one (1) meter from the platform.

  1. Wear reflective safety vests between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and as long as visibility is low.
  2. Drivers who travel in a group will do it one after the other.
  3. They should not walk on the sidewalks, places destined for pedestrian traffic.And. They must respect the signs, traffic regulations, and speed limits.
  4. They must not overtake other vehicles on the right, but the free lane on the left of the vehicle to be overtaken.
  5. They must use the manual signs detailed in article 67 of the Traffic Code.
  6. Use a safety helmet, on pain of immediate immobilization.
  7. Do not bring a companion except through devices specially designed for it, or objects that reduce visibility or inconvenience driving.
  8. In night hours, they should have a white light on the front, and red in the back.
  9. They must have a brake system.

During the daytime, only the helmet is required as a protective element, and during the night by the light and the reflective vest are added.

Infractions that we commit daily

Do you know the road traffic regulations? Up to a point, right? The logical thing is to think that we all know it, except for a small detail that escapes us, but well, nothing too important… Or is it? And if it turns out that we all commit infractions on a daily basis that we are not aware of? Some of them could cost us fines and even withdrawal of points. These are some of the most frequent:

-Circle with the dirty or worn license plate, do not use the high visibility reflective vest when getting out of the car, do not carry a spare wheel, drive with the expired card or circulate without connecting the corresponding lighting systems are 200 Euros fine.

-In the event that you do not carry two homologous portable warnings pre-warning triangles and hi vis vests, also 200 Euros. Although you may also be fined for not properly placing the hazard warning devices or not taking the necessary measures to warn other users of the existence of an obstacle or danger. In both cases, the fine is 80 Euros.

-Give bursts to the vehicle traveling in front, or what is the same, “alternative employment, in the form of flashes of long-range light or road and short-range light or crossing, with purpose other than those planned »Is punished with a fine of 80 Euros.

-To circulate with children (not wear a safety clothing with reflective fabric)under twelve years as moped passengers or motorcycles there is the possibility of withdrawal of a driving license for a period of up to three months, although the normal is a fine of 200 Euros and the loss of 2 points.

-For throwing the road or in its vicinity objects that may cause fire, accidents or obstruct the movement, make improper overtaking or overtaking endangering or hindering cyclists the penalty is 200 Euros and the loss of 4 points.

Cyclist mortality worries

In recent years, the practice of cycling has increased in large cities, driven by the development of self-service bicycle systems and the mayors’ desire to reduce car traffic in the city center. “In Ile-de-France, we are from 300,000 daily bicycle trips in 2001 to 700,000 in 2010, “recalls Dominique Lebrun, inter-ministerial coordinator for the use of bicycles. A progression that has been paired with the risks incurred by bicycle users. “The accidents of cyclists are related to several causes: the no respect of the signaling (fires, stop …) by some of them, the turn-left badly negotiated by others, the not taken into account of the cyclists by motorized users (excessive speed, safety distance not respected, fishtail …), the lack of lighting and visibility of bicycle users(not wear a reflective vest ), especially when they are in blind spots “, describes Emmanuel Reynard, director of education and training of the Association Prevention router.

“The main problem is that users have not learned to live together well. All cyclists must respect the rules of the road and other road users must be aware that bicycle drivers are vulnerable. Motorists need to know, for example, that a minimum distance of one meter is needed in the city to double a bike, “adds Chantal Perdition, president of the League against road violence.

Prevention and control

To reduce the number of injured cyclists, both agree on the need to develop information and prevention campaigns for them. The Road Safety Association has also planned one in 2013, which will focus on the visibility of cyclists. For Emmanuel Reynard, we must emphasize the importance of specific equipment for cyclists: “We recommend that they wear a high-visibility vest even during the day, as well as a helmet. In addition, they must check that their bike is equipped with retro-reflective tape. ”

Chantal Perdition also insists on the need to increase the control of cyclists by law enforcement agencies, when they do not respect the rules of the road. For example, Strasbourg has recently decided to increase the number of cyclists and to more systematically verbalize their traffic offenses, by imposing less expensive fines on them. Finally, Dominique Lebrun stresses the importance of increasing the number of protected cycle paths. Suggestions among others, which will be reviewed by the National Road Safety Council (CNSR) this year, before action is taken to improve the safety of cyclists.

Dances, flags and a lost reflective vest

On June 2, the first party of this year in the Park was organized by the Ochoa District Office and the Culture Department. The honor of the host was made by our deputy mayor, Mr. Gregory Winsock, who bravely embraced what some of the residents were doing.

The fun began at 18 and then the majority were children who warmed up to dance their parents. Later, with time, the fun created and the elders began to dance with greater daring. There were also small interludes in which residents could hear information that Chock together with the Foundation for Social Assistance “EVA” runs a public collection called “Ochoa”.

I lost my reflective safety vest

After such announcements, residents and participants of the party gave me generous gift of food donations for the purchase of flags. Thank you for everything. About 21.30 I went to my bicycle clipped to the stage (back) and unfortunately I noticed that someone did not like my reflective vest hanging (entangled) on the steering wheel and decided to adopt it from me. I hope that it will serve this, and if it was not and it was just a malicious punishment for an article. I think it was a primitive behavior. It is unfortunate that the spell breaks so quickly. So I have to buy a new reflective clothing.

The next dance in the park on June 9 and June 23.

We made the choice to ensure our own safety

At the national level, this tragedy had concurred with another involving also five firefighters in Paris, victims of flash over (blazing generalized flash). Interior Minister Nicolas Sarcoxie then launched a municipal security inspection. “It has led to the development of a health and safety commission for all Sid at the national level, and the birth of an accident prevention investigation bureau” with a predominance of experience feedback.

And if the Dome was content with these measures, she did not content herself with it. “Work has been conducted with the ASF on the procedures for interventions on motorways”, with the birth of the one that becomes part of the daily firefighters Dome: the safety vehicle. Yellow in color, similar to that of the Canadair’s, it is positioned upstream of the interventions. “It is visible day and night, sunny weather as fog. It is equipped with LED reflective vests, ramps, a variable message sign. We took the choice to ensure our own security while awaiting the arrival of the protection services. ”

The utility of the security vehicle quickly asserted itself on the national and departmental roads. “We have 20 that benefit from reinforcement, especially in rural areas, of multipurpose light-duty vehicles with a markup function. ”

The outfits have also evolved. “From now on, every firefighter has his own high visibility vest, yellow or orange. It is compulsory for each intervention. “Consideration of new equipment was accompanied by a rise in power of our health and safety department, with action recognized at the national level – territorial price of the Gazette does communes in 2007 – what is the plan? Road risks.

“It’s a global approach intended to limit accidents, both in intervention and training, or during personal time. For volunteer firefighters as professionals. All the employees of the structure are concerned. “explains the service manager Alain Judge. “Let us hurry with caution or wear a safety clothing” is now the watchword of a whole profession. Or how a tragedy saved lives.

The safety of pedestrians in traffic

Welcome to Czech said. Today we have a current topic for you – the safety of pedestrians in traffic.

 

Reflective clothing – reflective clothing becomes mandatory in certain situations for pedestrians in the Czech Republic. A pedestrian – codec must then wear safety vest – reflective vest, a reflective stripe – reflective tape or other reflective elements – reflective elements on clothes.

 

In addition, that applies in the dark, rain, or fog on streets, which have neither sidewalk – footpath nor lighting. Reflective clothing is made of a material that reflects light, the light that comes from a headlight, that is, a reflector. The reflection significantly increases the visibility of the pedestrian, and therefore motorists – overlook, do not so easily overlook it.

 

Reflecting means reverberating, a reflection is okras. In philosophy the reflection reflexes means the perception of one’s own mental activity, sometimes it is used as a synonym for reflection – thinking and reflection – reasoning. A consideration is called in Czech treatise or reflexes.

 

To reflect on something – reflect on something means to be interested in something to apply for something. Next time we talk about the reflective material.

Reflective clothing keeps cyclists safer on road

The Gymnasium prepares its pupils for the dark season with the reflective vest. At four stations, the sixth graders learn the most important things about safety on bicycles.

 

Saddle wrong, brakes broken, air out: The prepared bike at the station of Peter Keeners of the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) looks bad. The light is not, “Someone has demolished my bike,” complains Keeners at the students at his station. The seven girls and boys of the sixth grade eagerly seek out the mistakes, immediately put their hands on each other, and give each other tips. Not ten minutes later, everything is running, the plug on the dynamo was pressed again and the air in the front wheel pumped up again. “Done, you can go home,” confirms Keeners the successful repair.

 

At this and three other stations, the children of the Gymnasium learn all the basics for a safe ride on a bicycle. Five sixth grades are allowed to explore the four stations in the classroom every hour. The “Action Light” was initiated by the city in cooperation with the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Friendly Cities (AGFS) and the ADFC. Alexander from the P3 Agency for Communication and Mobility, who has been accompanying the Light action for several years as a presenter, welcomes the students’ knowledge as a greeting. How many brakes must a bicycle have in this country? Which reflective clothing is required, which are not? Manfred Weygand, bicycle representative: “We want the kids to ride more bikes, but for sure!”

 

Security is top priority for Police Chief Commissioner Herbert Kinder. “Eight out of ten wheel accidents end with a head injury,” says Kinder. In addition to the bicycle helmet, his station also deals with reflectors and the correct lighting. “Accidents always happen when drivers cannot recognize you.” The pedals, the cat’s eyes on the pedals, are the only way for others to recognize a cyclist as such from behind. “Drive carefully and take care of yourself!” lends Kinder the group to the next station. Angelika and Manfred Weygand show how reflective clothing works.

 

The children can choose from a wide range of protective vests, warning stripes, and especially reflective bicycle helmets and illuminate each other in turn. Everyone is enthusiastic about the effect of the radiant clothes. At the last station, the black box, it is necessary to spy on a search image cyclists with and without light and write down its result. Under the correct answers, three winners will be drawn who will receive a safety pack with reflective vest and reflective band. However, nobody goes out of their way: there is a reflective plush pendant for everyone.

Runaway Chicken Polly wears a safety vest

Farmer from Dillinger equips his chicken with protective reflective clothing. From now on, chickens who repeatedly break out of their enclosure and participate in traffic as pedestrians must wear safety vests for safety reasons. Anyone caught without a signal vest must expect a severe fine of up to ten fresh eggs.

 

Clemens farmer from Dillinger sets a good example and has his outlier chicken Polly equipped with the protective clothing. “Polly flies over the fence on a regular basis and walks along National Road 51. We did not want to trim her wings, so she wears a reflective safety vest for her own safety,” explains Kerman.

 

He discovered the model on the internet at an English manufacturer. It must be a bit of fun, says the farmer, where the chickens live in free range. Polly seems comfortable with the unfamiliar chicken fluorescent clothes and undertakes her excursions as usual. Only the rooster did not trust his eyes first.

Scooter for the kids and safety vests for all

How do children and adults – especially in the dark season – safely get through the traffic? For more than 20 years, the members would like to convey this to the very young. That is why every year they call on all kindergartens to participate in their traffic safety project. This time the kindergartens as well as kindergartens Mite and St. Wellhead were there. All of them have made different projects freely and differently for the main topic “light and dark.”

 

The Traffic Guard supports the children and educators with various materials such as safety vests, reflective ribbons, and blinkers. With self-made books, posters and photos, educators and children have presented their projects in the kindergarten center.

 

Some had set up courses and some had experimented with flashlights, glow sticks, and safety vests in dark gymnasiums. Songs and dances on traffic rules were practiced. In addition, everyone agreed: Reflective clothing makes pedestrians and cyclists better visible.

 

Chair, Deputy Chairman Evelyn Gang and Assessor Petra were enthusiastic about the ideas and the effort that all have made. As a thank you for the commitment, every kindergarten that has participated gets a new scooter. All kindergartens are invited to participate. The traffic guard is happy about all who are there.

To make children more visible in the dark through safety vests

The days are getting shorter again; it is the time of the year when safety vests are increasingly used again. In addition, rightly so: The eye-catching items of clothing help to prevent accidents and to protect your children from the dangers of road traffic.

 

Especially in the dark season, it is advisable to equip children in traffic with safety vests. Therefore, other road users much more likely perceive them.

 

This is what the ideal safety vest for children looks like

Safety vests are made of a breathable and lightweight material. They are easy to pull over the normal jacket and do not hinder. It is best if they are closable with a Velcro fastener: So the vest is quickly put on, fastened, and stripped off again. Characteristic is the reflector strip, which should be at least one centimeter wide and once around the reflective vest should be around: Only this way it is ensured that the child is clearly visible from all sides.

 

The color of the vest provides extra security. If you buy a model in a fluorescent signal color, such as yellow or pink, your child will not be overlooked even in daylight. The difficulty, especially in the winter months, lies in the fact that most garments are sold like warm jackets in rather muted colors. In them, a child is much worse to recognize than in a color that does not blur with the hazy background on the winter road.

 

Color and reflectors make the difference in safety vests

If the children have to leave the house and go to school in the morning, it is still dark outside in the fall, winter, and early spring. Whether they are on foot or by bicycle, they are not easy to spot for motorists, and in the morning rush hour traffic on the streets are still a bit more dangerous than usual. Buy reflective vests with reflectors for your kids, they are in the light the headlights are easy to see from far away, and the drivers drive much slower and more cautiously.

 

You can also buy one for yourself: For example, if you bring your child to kindergarten by bike in the morning, you will also be more easily recognizable by motorists. If you find the normal vests that you find in trading too boring and not very individual, you can also order special designs. Children also like to put on a vest with their name. If you find that the reflective areas are not sufficient, you can buy additional reflective strips and fix them on the vest. How your child safely gets through the traffic!