Know the reality to face it

One of the editors of the newspaper INFORM participated as a volunteer in the “Homeless Meet Up” campaign, the European initiative that took place in Alicante on 21 and 22 November. Once I hung up the reflective vest, I went out to the doors of the CAI to talk with those who had decided to use their Tuesday night to do a count of homeless people: nothing more and nothing less than a team of two hundred volunteers.

 

Among them, I found the gratitude to the volunteer of Julia Angelo, who recently has left the command of the Department of Social Action. With the appreciation for the accuracy of these new data of Carmen, worker of this same council; or with the activism of Linda Stein, an English woman who has already participated in the recounts of this campaign held in other cities such as London or Valencia. “In particular, the data we managed to collect in Valencia allowed us to start acting in a different way,” Stein explained.

 

Groups were formed headed by a leader familiar with the “homeless” environment. Each one was assigned an area of ​​action between thirty-three neighborhoods of the city of Alicante, and with a flashlight and a map, we started.

 

In my group, there were several students of Social Integration of Figures Pacheco, 2 workers of different NGOs wear yellow vest and an old homeless. The latter, who has already managed to bring his life back to normal, was a key piece for his great experience in the environment. Putting oneself in the shoes of those who do not have a roof to cover themselves is not an easy or precise exercise if it has not been there. The first day, Tuesday 21, we found an improvised plastic awning near the outer corner of a football field. We approached and received Carlos, a man in his forties who had already caught the dream. We talked to him, he told us how many there were and we made an appointment to talk the next day.

 

Once again, on Wednesday the 22, all the volunteers went out to sweep the streets to learn about the reality of the homeless. In addition, there we were, sitting on the cardboard that Carlos, his wife, his uncle and his uncle’s wife used as carpet between their two tents. All of them were waiting for us with open arms and eager to tell us their situation. We listened attentively while filling out a questionnaire that measures the degree of vulnerability of these people, helps to know how many they are and the situation in which they find themselves.

 

We finished and said goodbye to them, but not before inviting them to the party that took place yesterday morning in the Plaza de Gabriel. There some people in reflective clothing came to have a drink, listen to music, or see the role of a magician who played with the perception of the reality of the attendees.

Tips to put the chains in the car correctly

In these days of cold, snow and frost, many drivers in safety clothing go to their garages of confidence with the intention of asking about how they should put the chains in their cars correctly. Now, that adverse weather conditions are the order of the day, forecasts put on alert even areas where snow is not at all usual. For this reason, it is important to be prepared and carry chains in the trunk to avoid any surprise last minute. Zeta Engine, from the hand of Rudi Motor Services, recommends you follow a few simple steps to place the chains in the car easily and safely.

 

First of all, you should park the vehicle on one side of the road in order not to hinder the movement of the road. Next, the members of the vehicle will have to put on the reflective vest and signal the area with the emergency triangle, a protocol essential to preserve the safety of all drivers.

 

From then on, the first thing to know is where to place the chains. As a rule, they will be placed on the driving wheels, so in the traction cars must be placed on the front wheels. In contrast, in propulsion, should be fixed on the rear wheels. Finally, in all-wheel drive 4x4s, they will have to be put on all four tires.

 

After these first steps, it is time to place them, remember to keep a yellow vest to be visible. First, stretch the chains well on the ground to check that no knot has formed. Next, place the chains on the tire, pull the steel cable behind the wheel and hook it. Then, keep pulling the cable, this time on the tread, and move the car a few inches to finish covering the rest of the wheel. In addition, finally, it connects the hooks with the tensionless and returns to move the car a few more meters to be sure that the chains have been well secured.

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.

 

 

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.”

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!

Do you know how to drive in winter

For over a month, drivers have to wear safety vest and change the winter tires, if there is a continuous layer of snow, ice or icing on this road, but even then, this can be assumed. If you violate this obligation, you will be liable to a fine of up to CZK 2,000. Not only winter tires are part of winter car preparation. Volkswagen Financial Services reported.

 

In addition to winter wheels, it is also good to check the car’s equipment, replacement bulbs, spare fuses, wheel nut, hiver, spare wheel, warning triangle, reflective vest and first aid kit. In winter, it is also good to carry a field blade, a glass scraper, a de-icing lock, a strong rope and possibly chains.

 

Car washing should also be part of the winter preparation, since the car has to deal with spreading salt, gravel and other substances that are used for road maintenance.

 

In the winter, however, the driver must be prepared first. In 2016, over 53 000 accidents were caused by an incorrect way of driving. Sometimes it is better to leave the car at home. “Every year, experts advise drivers not to drive in a very unfavorable weather, and every year many drivers do not listen to these recommendations, but they have to calculate what costs more – one public transport or car repair, in the best case,” says Lukas Cana in yellow vest from Volkswagen Financial Services. According to the survey, 50% of drivers are influenced by their driving habits during the winter season and the associated weather conditions. As a result, 22% of drivers drive the car in winter less often or almost at all.

 

 

Go to school on foot with in safety vest

A program that teaches adults and kids to do with safety vest and without cars: Kia Motors launched it in the UK. This project – called Walking Bus. has however clear social purposes, such as pushing school children to make more movement, an aspect that has not escaped the South Korean car manufacturer that has given its support to the initiative together with the Olympic Louise Hazel, chosen as testimonial to spread the Walking Bus program. It is about bringing the boys together, all gifted as the chaperones of high visibility vest, in a sort of ‘snake’ of pedestrians, who moves neatly to the side of the road and under the constant supervision of some adults.

 

Research carried out in this area has shown that in Britain, 68% of boys and 76% of school-age girls are currently unable to meet the recommended minimum level of moderate exercise for at least an hour a day. In addition, 63% of children are still brought daily by car in front of the school gates. “I think that Walking Bus is a great initiative – said Louise Hazel – as it is an easy way to do something good for children’s health and encourages kids to stay active and fit every day,” said Hazel in yellow vest. It is great to know that this program can help reduce emissions and road traffic and helps to create a healthier and safer environment to walk around.”

 

 

 

 

 

Road safety: a high visibility vest mandatory for motorcyclists

A new law will force French motorcyclists, starting next year, to have a high visibility safety vest with them while driving. The transalpine centaurs must wear the garment over the technical garments, under penalty of a rather salty fine.

 

From January 2016, in France, motorcyclists will also be obliged to wear a high visibility safety vest. The new rule of the Transalpine road code, provides that centaurs are not obliged to purchase a technical garment specifically designed for motorcycles, but that will be enough the “classic” yellow vest that, even we Italians, we are obliged to keep in the car. In the case of two wheels (in reality the obligation also applies to three-wheeled scooters and quads), the garment will necessarily be worn while driving and not hidden in the saddle. Also the sanctions are ready: who should not wear it, in fact, could incur a fine from 11 to 135 Euros, a figure considered too high by the French Federation of Motorcyclists, already contrary to the law and that would like the use of the vest is a personal choice.

 

As is clear, the provision is aimed at protecting the safety of motorcyclists, making them much more visible on the roadway: since 2008, in fact, when the garment became mandatory in the event of a breakdown or stop, the number of victims has dropped. In addition to the FFMC, many motorcyclists turn up their nose, already fitted with reflective bands on helmets and technical jackets. In Italy, for the moment, there is no change to the code in this direction, even if common sense recommends to always wearing a garment equipped with at least high visibility strips.

 

 

Everything you need to know about the reflective vest

The summary of the new regulations will take effect on January 1. That means the reflective vest that must have all the cars that circulate in Chile since January 1, 2016. Two decades ago, something similar happened with another road safety measure: the third brake light.

 

The information is abundant, but this is the definitive summary made by Cohasset:

“Supreme Decree No. 164/2014 adds the reflective yellow vest to the other security elements that must be found in each motor vehicle to deal with emergency situations.”

 

Failure to comply with the wearing of the reflective safety vest will constitute a slight fault, which translates into a fine of 0.2 to 0.5 UTM. In pesos, that equals 9,000 to 22,400 pesos.

 

 

 

Participating the occasion with reflective vest

The Angels program reaches its ninth version this Wednesday, the day on which Angelinos Day is celebrated. On this occasion, there will be a 13.4-kilometer Angels in the north of the city.

 

The meeting point will be from 6:30 p.m., in the Cisneros Park, located in the 64th race between 66th and 68th streets. The activity will begin at 8:00 p.m.

Fernando Isaac, District Secretary of Traffic and Road Safety, said that the activity aims to encourage the safe use of bicycles, as a structuring axis of mobility, the cities of the future and offer citizens recreational spaces and healthy coexistence.

 

He explained that participating in this occasion is very easy; it is free and without prior registration. Citizens should only carry their bicycles and the security elements: helmet, reflective vest, front and rear lights and bell.

 

“We invite the citizens to participate in the activity, our appointment every month. This is an event, we want more, and more citizens to participate, take more ownership of this space and this activity. In addition to improving the quality of life and mobility as such, Angels serves to share, get to know our city, in order to achieve a more sustainable mobility that helps to recover the public space for citizenship,” said Fernando in yellow vest.