Champion of soft mobility, Château'Roule by bicycle works on a daily basis for daily cycling via a participatory workshop and a number of actions. Among them, the association, with more than 300 members, will carry out, this Saturday November 16, 2024 in Châteauroux, the national operation Cyclists shine! organized by the Federation of Bicycle Users. The FUB thus calls “to mobilize and raise awareness among cyclists of the importance of good lighting. With the change of season, night falls earlier and earlier. It is essential to make yourself visible when cycling to ensure your own safety, but also to protect other road users. Unfortunately, not all cyclists are yet well equipped: 57% of those who ride in the city at night are poorly lit. »
An increasing accident rate
In Châteauroux, the action will take place in three stages: distribution of lighting kits on the Voltaire and République markets, in Châteauroux in the morning, maintenance and repair workshop (from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) at its premises at 40 rue des Belges and a nocturnal stroll, the “enlightened velolution”5 km starting from rue de la République, from 6 p.m.
Château'Roule received support from an insurer and the State via the prefecture. The prefect's chief of staff Renaud Lassince spoke alongside Valérie Aubrun, head of the road safety department. “This moment of awareness is part of the action taken to combat cycle accidents in the department. From 2021 to 2023, Indre experienced, all combined, 314 accidents, 37 of which (11.7%) involve a cycle. Most of these bicycle accidents, 24 or 64.8%, take place in cities. And the people involved are in the age range of 45 and over. »
Fatal accidents are unfortunately on the rise: three cyclists died on the road in 2023 while there had been none in 2022. Since the start of 2024 (figures as of November 12), Indre experienced (out of a total of 139), three accidents involving a cycle.
An unlit cyclist is a cyclist in great danger
In this context, it is good to remember good cycling practices and mandatory cycle equipment. Among these, four concern lighting: a yellow or white light at the front, a red light and reflector at the rear, orange wheel reflectors and the retroreflective vest outside built-up areas. At night, you have to see and be seen. “Lighting is a real road safety issue, concludes Renaud Lassince. The objective on Saturday is to recall its importance. »
On this occasion, lighting kits and fluorescent gloves will be provided free of charge on the market stands where Chateau'Roule will provide valuable advice. In these winter times more than ever, an unlit cyclist is a cyclist in great danger. “There is a real awarenesssays Patricia Danguy of Château'Roule. Over the past five years, there has been significant progress with increasing needs. Many cyclists now use their bikes at night. »
Loïc Lejay
Château'Roule à bicyclette, 40 rue des Belges in Châteauroux. Workshop open Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Annual membership: €5 or €10 depending on resources. Email: [email protected]
