Safety Accessories for Bicycles and Cyclists - Obligations and Recommendations

There are no official statistics on the number of bicycle accidents.

Yet,1 in 3 cyclists say they have already had a cycling accident(fall, collision or collision).

On the other hand, another statistic sends shivers down your spine...
Every year, more than 250 people die following a bicycle accident!

As this famous road safety ad reminds us, motorists on the roads are as fragile as eggs. Imagine the risk cyclists run!

Bicycle safety is becoming a major issue, and even a public health issue!

So yes, havebicycle safety accessories is necessary to limit the damage. But that is not everything.

A few practical tips can help you feel more secure and avoid disappointments.

In the saddle, we explain everything to you!

In this article we will see:

• Mandatory safety accessories on a bike
• The rules to respect on the road for a cyclist
• Bicycle accessories and equipment to improve safety
• The essential elements of a bike to check before hitting the road

What safety accessories are required on a bicycle?

Is it compulsory to have a helmet when cycling?

We hear everything and its opposite about wearing a helmet when cycling. However, the legislation is very clear on the subject.

For a child under the age of 12, wearing a helmet on a bicycle is compulsory, whether they are a driver or a passenger! Obviously, the helmet must be attached and approved (“CE” marking).

For people over 12 years old, helmet is not obligatory, but remains strongly recommended.

Failure to respect the obligation to wear a helmet for a child under 12 years old is punishable by a fixed fine of €135.

The 3 other mandatory pieces of equipment for cyclists

• The reflective vest

Outside built-up areas only, when visibility is insufficient (often at night or during poor weather conditions), the user of a bicycle (driver as a passenger) must be equipped with a high visibility luminous vest or reflective vest!< /p>

If you fail to wear a vest, you expose yourself to ;a fixed fine of €35.

In urban areas, a yellow reflective vest when cycling is not obligatory.

• The 6 mandatory lights on a bike

Yes, you read that right!

There are 6 mandatory lights to place on your bike.

1) One or morerear reflectors in red color

A reflector is a light-reflecting system used to signal the bicycle to other road users.

2) orange reflectors visible from the side

, or tires fitted with retro-reflective devices

3) A white reflector visible from the front

4) Orange-colored reflectors on the pedals

These 4 reflectors aregenerally sold by default with the bike. It has become a market standard for several years.

On the other hand, be wary if you buy a used bike. Make sure that these 4 elements are still on the bike and/or are not damaged.

In addition, at night or in low light (under a tunnel for example), the bike must be equipped with 2 lights:

5) 1 front light emitting yellow or white light not dazzling

6)1 red rear light, which must be perfectly visible while using the bike

In the event of absence or defective lighting, you will be asked to pay a fixed fine of €11.

• A buzzer (bell)

Each bicycle must be equipped with a horn. This bell can alert pedestrians in the event of an emergency.

A bicycle is silent by nature and the high-pitched sound of a bell can be very useful to warn of its arrival or to encourage pedestrians to clear cycle paths !

To be approved, the sound of the bell must be heard at least 50 meters away.

In the event of absence, you will be asked to pay a fixed fine of €11.

What are the rules for a cyclist to respect on the road?

The Highway Code

Cyclists, like all road users, are subject to respect for the highway code.

Red light, priority on the right, speed limit, the cyclist has the same rights and the same duties as motorists!

For example, running a red light on a bicycle is an offense leading to a fixed fine of €135. This is the < strong>same fine as for a motorist without loss of points.

When faced with an agent, there is no point in invoking ignorance of the rules of the road. On your bike or in the car, no one is supposed to ignore the law.

Alcohol and drugs while riding or driving, same penalties!

The one who drives is the one who doesn't drink.

This slogan is also valid for the cyclist. Drunk driving is an offense. The maximum blood alcohol level allowed is the same when cycling as when driving. 0.5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood!

Alcohol is not cool.

A cyclist who cares about his safety and that of others is a cyclist who does not drink.

Listen to music

Unfortunately still a preconceived idea.It is forbidden to listen to music on your bike with headphones, earbuds or headphones!

Enjoy the scenery, the birdsong and pay attention to sounds that could alert you to danger.

Your ears are like your eyes: your best allies for enhanced security.

Riding on the sidewalk

It's allowed...but on foot! You can ride your bike on the sidewalk, only if you are walking next to it.

Some exceptions exist, however. for children under 8 years old or if floor markings allow it.

An exception for bicycles: the M12 sign

You have probably already seen this sign under many traffic lights.

This is the give way for cyclists. Even if the light is red, it allows cyclists to pass in the direction of the arrow, giving priority to pedestrians.

What bicycle accessories and equipment to improve your safety?

Apart from the obligatory reflective and luminous accessories, there are other solutions to complete your cycling safety equipment.

We present below some safety accessories that we think are interesting to use for cycling safely.

Bike indicators

We are not objective because this is the product we sell on our store.

Nevertheless, we are convinced of the safety that bicycle turn signals.

Under the saddle, on the helmet, at the front and/or at the rear, you indicate, using a remote control, the direction in which you are going to turn.

No more raising your arm to signal a change of direction.

Both hands kept on the handlebars for better stability and a signal visible from more than 100 meters for road users behind you!

 

A rear-view mirror

Fixed to the handlebars, the rear-view mirror is the ideal complementary accessory to the indicator. No need to turn your head 180 degrees to see what's going on behind your back.

Why are motorists taught to indicate a change of direction with a turn signal, then to check rear visibility with a rear-view mirror before turning? For greater security!

The cyclist also has the right to equip himself with this accessory to control what is happening behind him.

Hands on the handlebars thanks to the indicator, and eyes fixed on the road thanks to the rear-view mirror. This is an essential safety kit for your bike!

The danger spreader

No, it's not the title of a horror film.

It is an interesting accessory which allows you to establish a safe distance from other users of the road.

This spacer encourages motorists to respect distances when overtaking you, particularly in built-up areas when traffic is heavy and the lanes are narrow.

2 reflectors (front and rear) complete this spacer for better visibility at night.

Light bracelet or visibility armband

Clack and clack! In 2 seconds, you have put your reflective armbands on your wrists, biceps and/or ankles.

We're quite a fan of the model that you can find at Decathlon (we don't have any shares with them!)