With the transition to winter time, the days are getting shorter, making cyclists (like pedestrians) more vulnerable. A quick reminder of the rules in force regarding the lighting of two wheels.
Catadioptre or not catadioptre?
From the Greek diopra, “optical instrument”, it designates these pieces of plastic which reflect light. They are mandatory on all bicycles. Specifically, they should be red on the back and white (or yellow) on the front. On the wheels and pedals, these retroreflective devices must be orange.
When to turn on the parking lights?
To this must be added a lighting system, front and rear, removable or not. Also obligatory. Fires which must be lit at night obviously but also “when visibility is insufficient. Concretely these days with the fog, cyclists are, like motorists, obliged to turn them on. points out in Rennes, the director of the Roazhon Mobility association Sébastien His.
Yellow vest or not?
And the fitting little yellow vest? Also obligatory, and not only on roundabouts. Wearing a retroreflective vest “certified” is imposed on those who travel “outside urban areas”.
For those looking for a more fashionable accessory, quite a few companies are developing fluorescent jackets – elegant wouldn't be the word – but more original. Other possible gadgets: frontal lights integrated into the helmet or even LED systems integrated into the jacket or backpack acting as a turn signal.
How much does it cost to equip yourself?
If we remain strictly obligatory, it costs around fifteen euros for lighting, €3 for the vest and a few euros more for the reflectors. The total bill must not exceed fifteen euros. “New bicycle sellers are obliged to provide them to you. If they are not installed directly on the bike, they should at least give them to you separately. » A rule that does not apply to sellers of used bikes.
Read also: REPORTING. Electric scooters in Rennes: “It has become very dangerous”
And the scooters?
Its users must have a white light at the front, a red light at the rear and rear and side reflectors. Note that according to the City, electric scooters currently represent 8% of the municipality's bicycle and scooter traffic.
What fine do we risk?
€11 per missing lighting element. Not much so even if cumulatively it can climb.
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