On Wednesday evening, November 6, Road Safety dispatched its volunteers to Quai du Châtelet, in order to diagnose the state of the night equipment of cyclists and scooter riders, who often have to ride in the dark since the change to daylight saving time. winter.
There are legion of them in the evening, often after work or after school, to use the Quai du Châtelet, which is perfectly secure with regard to two-wheeled traffic, because a lane is reserved for them,
well away from the road along the Loire, where we are familiar with the hoods and exhaust pipes at rush hour.
The reason why, on Wednesday, November 6, at the very end of the afternoon (between 4 and 8 p.m.), Road Safety had set up its stands there, to conduct its national “Light and Vision” operation. With the desire to reach as many people as possible in Orléans at the time of the transition to winter time, for those who are unaware of it, opening onto a highly accident-prone period, as explained by the regional director of the association, Flavien Bourgeois.
The regional director of the association, Flavien Bourgeois. Photo: David Creff
“With night falling much earlier, sometimes rain and fog, the period becomes even more conducive to visibility problems.” Or rather, lack of visibility… “Statistically, yes, it increases the risk of an accident.”
57% of cyclists ride poorly lit at night
Awareness operation on the docks. Photo: David Creff
Hence the question that cyclists, scooter riders and pedestrians intercepted on the quays were asked on Wednesday evening: “Am I visible enough to others at night?” But still, “do I see the others well enough? Because it goes both ways,” adds Flavien Bourgeois.
And to add that a recent national study produced by Road Prevention “shows that 57% of cyclists ride poorly lit at night”.
A fact that the regional director, who lives there, can observe on a daily basis in his city of Orléans.
A lot of users are making efforts, but we have to admit that there is still work to be done…
Which all the more motivates him and his evening team to reach out “to meet the users of soft mobility”. Including the owners of electric cycles and scooters, “with whom we carry out a rapid diagnosis” of the night equipment.
To do this, the association can provide them with a checklist to tick (“good or defective”), compiling the essentials in this area: am I equipped with a yellow or white front light? Red rear and orange side reflectors? Do I have my “high visibility” vest with me?
and, on my two-wheeler, an approved horn? Everything that allows you to travel more safely at night, to be seen from afar, especially by the motorist…
And to specify that at Road Prevention, “we are neither pro-cars nor pro-bikes”, but for intelligent sharing of the road, “whatever the mode of travel”.
“I come across so many on bikes with their phones or…”
On Wednesday, among the dozens of Orleanians intercepted at sunset, Alain on a bicycle, whose equipment was deemed perfectly adequate by the volunteers. Alain with his reflective pedals and wheels, his front and rear lights, his vest (“but from the SNCF”) reflecting the car headlights…
Because they are relatively impeccable, the cyclist is all the better placed to point the finger: “I come across so many on their bikes with their phones or with headphones on, the proportion is perhaps two out of five.”
During his daily journeys, the retiree says he observes “far too much stupid risky behavior”. He also reminds, with reference to headphones, “that we must always control our sound environment” in public spaces and again asks the question of “why the police do not issue fines”. Because wearing a helmet on two wheels, “yes, it’s forbidden,” says project manager Lisa.
Or a volunteer who will however “never play on the fear of the police” to change behavior, concludes Flavien Bourgeois. “Our goal is to raise awareness of the risks. And what we risk is losing our lives, not just 90 euros.”
Advice for cyclists and pedestrians
and motorists
Pedestrians. Stay visible by wearing light colors or a reflective accessory. With reflective accessories, pedestrians are visible from 150 meters away. In the headlights of a car, they are only visible 20 meters away when dressed in black. The pedestrian crossing remains the safest place to cross. The Highway Code specifies that pedestrians are required to use, when there are ones within 50 meters, the crossings provided for them.
Having the right of way does not mean crossing without caution, especially in the dark. Another tip: walk on the left side of the road to clearly see the vehicles approaching. As you cross, look left, right, then left again.
Cyclists. “The winning strategy for being seen by other users consists of combining active lighting and passive lighting,” insists the French Federation of Bicycle Users. “At night or during the day, when visibility is insufficient, every cycle must be equipped with a position light emitting a non-dazzling, yellow or white light forward”, specifies article R313-4 of the Code of road. Even if your bike is already equipped with lights, you can complete it with a removable clip-on kit. Beware of lighting failures, expired bulbs or worn-out batteries.
To further attract the attention of other users, there are flashing lights which are very effective. Note that the law allows flashing lights at the rear, but not at the front. The rear light should be red. Other equipment is strongly recommended: tires with reflective sidewalls, reflective bicycle clips, reflective armband, danger spacer or other reflective devices to stick to the frame, mudguard, saddle or handlebars.
Motorists. It’s better to plan ahead, so anticipate and slow down before a pedestrian crossing, especially in the dark. You must be able to stop before crossing because pedestrians are likely to emerge. The Highway Code stipulates “that when approaching crossings intended for pedestrians, drivers must only overtake after ensuring that no pedestrian is engaged in the crossing”.
You must yield the right of way to a pedestrian who is crossing or about to cross. As a reminder, the fine is 135 euros and the loss of 6 points on your driving license in the event of non-compliance with this obligation. Move around with the windows dry and defogged: the reflections mask the presence of a pedestrian.
Finally, stay distant and stay at least one meter away from sidewalks for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
Why such a police force at the northern head of the Royal bridge in Orléans during the evening rush hour?
David Creff
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