Cyclists and road safety: here are all the life-saving tips

The sun comes and you go back by bike. Here's how to avoid accidents and increase safety in the saddle while following a few simple steps.

With the spring the desire to get back on the bike returns. Here is the importance of remembering some safety rules. The Swiss Touring Club (TCS) gives an overview of the situation and points out that bad cycling habits are expensive. Every year in Switzerland, more than 3,000 bike accidents occur with deaths and injuries. And yet, little attention would be enough to change things. Alarming, for example, the fact that only 50% of cyclists use a helmet. Bicycle safety depends on many factors; type of vehicle, protective clothing, and visibility make the difference. Even cars can do something. The safety of cyclists is an increasingly important aspect in the development of new cars. Systems like Adaptive Speed ​​Control (ACC) and Emergency Brake Assist (AEB) recognize bikes and avoid accidents.

The sun comes and you go back to cycling but not all cyclists circulate safely. Here then is the Swiss Touring Club (TCS) proposing useful tips for traveling safely. Not all cyclists pay attention to their safety. Every year, in Switzerland, there are over 3,000 bike accidents with many deaths and injuries. An important assumption is that the bike meets the technical requirements and is kept in excellent condition. Although they are not subject to mandatory periodic inspection, it is a good idea to check the general condition yourself. Pieces such as rims, tires, brakes, and lighting should be examined periodically. As for the lights, the law is clear. Obligation to fit a white front and rear red lighting system, reflectors on the rims and both sides of the pedals. The statistics speak for themselves. At dusk and night, the risk of accidents for cyclists is three times higher than during the day. Even at night with rain, snow or against the light, the risk multiplies by ten. Here then is that lighting is fundamental among the safety rules on bicycles.

GOOD PRACTICE

As for visibility, we said that the front and rear lights are mandatory. Additional lights can also be used, but they must not dazzle other road users. Arrows are also allowed. As the TCS points out, the arrows, on the one hand, are detected first by other road users, on the other hand, they make the speed and distance to the cyclist worse. The TCS recommends always wearing a helmet on both conventional and e-bikes. In choosing the most expensive helmets are not necessarily better than the cheap ones. Important that they fit well to the head and are comfortable. The straps in front and behind the ears and under the chin must always be well stretched. Old or damaged helmets should be replaced, even when the damage is not visible. Helmets with integrated lighting are allowed and ensure greater visibility but cannot replace the lighting of the bike. The Hövding 2.0 is also commercially available, a real bicycle airbag. Similar to a collar in the event of a fall, it also protects the neck and the nape, in addition to the head. However, Hövding is not suitable for mopeds and electric bikes over 25km/h.

VISIBILITY

Clothing is also an important element, cyclists dressed in dark are recognizable at a distance of 25 meters. On the contrary those with light clothes or fluorescent colors at 40 m. The wearer of reflective materials is visible from 140 meters away. The protection of cyclists is also an important aspect in the development of new cars. Systems like Adaptive Speed ​​Control (ACC) and Emergency Brake Assist (AEB) also recognize bikes. Vehicle front radars scan the road in front of the car and avoid accidents.

CONCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS

As the technology is sometimes not enough here are some concluding recommendations of the TCS. Cyclists must always use cycle paths and cycle lanes if available. At sunset, at night and in the tunnel, the bike must light a front white light and a red rear light. Additional lighting is permitted if other road users are not dazzled. Always wear a helmet even on e-bikes. It is important to remember that reflective clothing or reflective vest is already visible at a distance of 140 meters.