Bicycle Safety: Seeing and Being Seen, a Must for Winter
, by Thierry Bourgarel, 2 min reading time
š¦ Bicycle Safety: Seeing and Being Seen, a Must for Winter
With the switch to winter time and drastically shorter days, visibility becomes the number one challenge for cyclists. Whether you are an urban bike commuter or a road cycling enthusiast, riding at night or dusk is not without danger.
At INFOYLOG, we believe that technology and equipment are your best allies for riding safely.
āļø What the Law Says: Road Code Essentials
Before thinking about gadgets, it is essential to comply with legal obligations. Every bicycle must be equipped with:
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A front light (white or yellow) and a rear light (red).
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Reflectors (retroreflective elements): one white at the front, one red at the rear, orange on the pedals and on the sides (spokes).
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A sound warning device (bell) audible from 50 meters.
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A high-visibility vest: it is mandatory for any cyclist (and their passenger) riding outside urban areas, at night, or when visibility is insufficient.
š Innovation at the Service of Your Safety
Beyond the legal framework, manufacturers compete in ingenuity to increase your "visual signature." As many experts emphasize, "you can never have too much."
Current trends are turning towards smart electronics:
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Lights with integrated radar: Some rear lights automatically intensify when braking or alert you via your bike computer of a vehicle approaching from behind.
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Versatile clothing: Gone is the "construction site" look! Now you can find jackets and pants with an urban style that discreetly incorporate retroreflective fibers invisible by day but ultra-bright under headlights.
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Helmet accessories: Helmet covers or clip-on lights raise the light source, making it visible above cars.
š”ļø Awareness vs Responsibility
While campaigns like the FUB's "Cyclists, Shine" are essential, the debate on road sharing remains open. In Strasbourg, a pioneering cycling city, control operations distribute emergency lighting kits to cyclists found in violation.
However, many associations remind us that safety is everyone's responsibility. Fighting against mobile phone use while driving and reducing city speed limits (to 30 km/h) are major levers to protect the most vulnerable. In case of a collision, the driver's speed remains the determining factor for the cyclist's survival.
š Numbers That Make You Think
The winter period is statistically more accident-prone. Road safety figures in Alsace show that nearly half of the annual injuries occur between October and January. Lack of visibility and slippery roads create a risky combination.
š” The INFOYLOG Tip
Don't just be "compliant." Check the condition of your batteries and the cleanliness of your reflectors before each ride. Clean and charged lighting can make the difference between being seen at 20 meters or at 150 meters.
And you, what equipment have you chosen to shine this winter? ---
