“What do you need?” » – “I'll get you a kit, the whole thing. I'm an old backpacker, but if I come, it's to equip myself properly. It’s great.”
Christian, a graying “pedal rider”, did like many others on Friday November 22. He came to the premises of the Varlin Pont-Neuf association in Limoges during the national operation “Cyclists shine”, partner with the Véli-vélo association, Road Safety and the French Bicycle Federation (FUB).
A 2024 edition with particular resonance, a dozen days after the death of Jean-Marc Chatard, known as “the Man in Blue”, struck on RD 979, in Eyjeaux.
Over the year, four cyclists lost their lives in Haute-Vienne after road accidents. So, to spend the winter and the long nights in complete safety, Aymeric Moulin and Gabin Fabre, president and vice-president of the Véli-vélo association, provide five tips for “being visible and well equipped with lights” when traveling at bike.
1. “See”
“With the lights going out in certain areas of Limoges, or on dimly lit roads, you need to have lighting that is sufficient to see about 25 meters away and not just to be seen,” insist the two cyclists. Before you go, test the lights, charge them if you can.”
2. Take your place
According to the Véli-vélo association, “at night, cyclists must take their place in the middle of their lane, regardless of motorists. This is the best way to be visible and force motorists to slow down and overtake while respecting safety distances. On unlit country roads where the speed is actually higher, you must keep to the right. »
3. Diversify lighting zones
Eight reflectors on your bike on the wheels and pedals, a yellow vest on you, lighting at the front and rear, a helmet, not obligatory, but highly recommended “and reflective bands on the wrists and ankles, which can be a plus, just like reflective gloves when you want to change direction,” continue the volunteers of the Limougeaude association.
4. Choose your route
One of the first pieces of advice instinctively given by Aymeric Moulin is to “choose your route carefully. There are areas to avoid in Limoges, such as Avenue Armand-Dutreix, Rue François-Perrin, and major arteries in general. But knowing in advance where you are going to go through already allows you to anticipate certain roundabouts or areas that are more dangerous for cyclists.”
5. “Not flashing”
“For new cyclists”, the association recommends “avoiding flashing lights at the front. This is more dangerous and illegal and does not allow motorists to assess safety distances. Several lights on the helmet, the bike and with the vest allow you to see the distance.”
Thibaut Dailer
