Bicycles: Keep light and reflective vest for your safe

“Hello, municipal police. You ride a bike without lights and wearing reflective vest, it is dangerous at night!” As police officers approach, faces close. However, for lack of fine, everyone will be left with tips, an explanatory leaflet and a lighting kit.

In the late afternoon, the municipal police, the Grand Toulouse, and the Vela association organized yesterday the third prevention and awareness campaign for cyclists on the rue Alsace-Lorraine, who were traveling without fires. “With the fall, the days are getting shorter and people will be moving at night. Then they want to let go of the car more and more with pollution, traffic jams, “explains Sebastian in safety clothing, president of the Association Vela.

“There are a lot of people in Toulouse who do not respect these rules. This operation is short but it has a lot of impact, “adds Jean-Claude Ruggiero, representative of the municipal police. Thomas, 28, is one of the cyclists arrested. “Yes, I knew that you had to ride with lights and safety vest,” he admits. However, I did not feel like we needed it in town. Know that now, for each forgotten lighting element, it will cost you 11 Euros.

The bikers in the viewfinder of the gendarmes

At the time of the return of the beautiful days, and therefore the outings on motorbikes, the gendarmes of the departmental squadron led, yesterday in Moseley-South, an important operation of control. The site was not chosen at random. Yesterday afternoon, the gendarmes of the departmental road safety squadron of Metz chose a very particular sector of Moseley-South to carry out a great operation of road safety: the roads of Dao and Demon.

 

The coming spring and the milder temperatures led the gendarmes to act quickly to meet them, with both hands: one, for all, for prevention; and the other, if necessary, for repression. In addition, the stakes are important. “After the winter season, the first exits are riskier because the bikers are slow to regain all their reflexes driving two-wheeled, says the captain Jean-Jack, second in command of the EDSR Metz. There is a 27 times greater risk of being killed by motorized two-wheelers than by car. Still, many bikers take a lot of risks, feeling in control. ”

 

On a motorcycle, the slightest carelessness can be fatal. The recent news is there to confirm it. “Last year in Moseley, during the first quarter, there were three accidents of two-wheelers and three wounded,” says Captain. This year, at the same time, we recorded eight accidents, with one killed and ten wounded. These accidents involved five motorcycles and five cycles. “In addition, faced with these disturbing figures, the gendarmes decided to hit hard. They distributed to them a guide of good behavior. “There are tips to be well equipped, to behave appropriately, to be vigilant, and to respect the rules of conduct and so on. Since January 1, it is for example mandatory that all two-wheels have a reflective vest, to put in case of accident or breakdown.

 

All those who were in good standing left without being worried. The others, including cars, were caught by the patrol. Especially since, for the exercise, the EDSR also mobilized two of its most effective and formidable weapons for the violators: the unmarked motorcycles and the unmarked car, able in particular to grasp with discretion every speeding in the two directions of circulation.

 

In the end, 150 bikers were checked and all were in good standing. Twenty offenses have been reported against motorists: 18 speeding (recorded thanks to the dreaded unmarked car with embedded radar), a phone behind the wheel and driving under the influence of alcohol. The presence of the gendarmes with safety clothing in force, however, was not enough to reason everyone. A biker lost control of his craft in the climb of Demon.

 

 

The Haute Route outfit with the 3 reflective colors

The trilogy of Venous ended today on the mythical face of the Giant of Provence, that of Bedouin, the royal road to the summit. This morning, for the test event, program change, departure at dawn, lights at the front and at the back, 25 gas and gas that start from km 0, to the final touch. Unit of time, unity of place, unity of outfit, it is definitively more than the wheels. It is a very beautiful range of textile, we recommend you the Haute Route outfit with the 3 colors red, yellow and pink 3 big rounds, and this morning it’s life-size test, a reflective vest not orange, not yellow DDE, simply white with reflective strips cleverly placed, so that we spot a runner at 100 meters.

 

A very effective vest, very beautiful design and you can feel in your favorite stores, a success, in the meantime, maybe someday, a garment with flashing led, not developed “for now”, to follow so .

 

To close 3 days of great conviviality, between many different nationalities: Switzerland, English, New Zealand and the French colony from Annecy. But also the corner, a real melting pot that is nothing less than that of the Haute Route , whether on 7 days or 3 times a year, or on a new appointment in Colorado next June, and there in the footsteps of the giant, in Provence. Night vision of the Venous so, some will say why not after all, since the 10 kilometers in the forest are never less than 8% and that in these cases, it is better not to know! Reassure yourself in October 2017, we will leave day, like 8 hours, departure every 20 seconds, history that participants in safety vest can return to London, Geneva or Brussels, in time and to complete a great weekend, and anticipate the week ahead.

 

Anyway, it is a rich idea, if only for the sunrise over the Reynard. Sunburn is that warms as much the rind as the heart and gives the want to go higher up to the top, because it is well known. We do not crack in the Venous and especially not in the desert of stones, that is so much for the fame of the Venous, we see for miles to the round, further reinforcing the incongruity of this molehill that makes humble, and any climber.

 

The classification of this Haute Route will be established in cumulative time of 3 days, without neutralized part, the medal at the top will be well deserved for all finishers and will be ranked in the radius of good memories, no doubt. We are talking about a cycle in stages, not in stages with a la carte menu. It could despite everything, a quota of places be reserved for this against the clock, nothing is less certain , and the bar of 500 engaged will not be exceeded, Bedouin wishes a controlled tourism, a tourism where one does not find papers after the passage of the runners, message received by the organizers.

 

The first starters will be able to admire and encourage, for once, the last to leave, the leaders; the descent will be done on Bedouin, thus giving everyone the opportunity to greet for the 5th time the stele Tom Simpson, beautiful tribute. Thank you to all the participants in yellow vest of the organizers for all the service providers, who are much more than that on the Haute Route: Dr Bruno, Masseuse, Manic, and Alexis, all the riders from our Swiss neighbors, English, not to mention the manic boys from Annecy and the United States, we feasted, and we ask for more. It is good, after the Erotica, the Roc d’Azur, race of Haute Route, place the presentation of the Tour, Tuesday, before, perhaps to attack the videos of the main stages of the Tour 2017.

 

 

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.