New fines have been introduced for drivers for the lack of special things

 

The traffic police warn that from 2021, inspectors will check the presence of four items in the trunk, without which a fine will be issued, reports IA DEITA.RU.

 

These new rules apply to all drivers in all regions of the Russian Federation. A first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, as well as an emergency stop sign, and, of course, a reflective vest (a recent change in legislation) should always be kept in the trunk.

 

The first aid kit and fire extinguisher must not expire, otherwise, it is a separate fine.

 

Also, from this year, drivers have the right to independently purchase and complete the first-aid kit from various components, and not purchase a ready-made kit.

 

Earlier, the authorities of Primorye reminded motorists that they can (and should) undergo technical inspection under the new rules, which will take effect from October 1 this year.

With this rain gear for your bike you are safe and dry on the road

 

To be safe on the road as a cyclist even in rain and wet in the changeable spring and to stay dry, the right rain gear for the bike is essential. We show sensible rain protection from clothing to mudguards.

 

"There is no such thing as bad weather, there is only wrong clothing," they say. Especially on the bike, where you cannot protect yourself with an umbrella when it rains, it is important to have the right equipment. However, this is not limited to rainwear, the bike should also be properly equipped. We show you which rain gear makes sense for your bike to always be safe and dry on the road.

 

Rain gear for the bike: the right clothing from head to toe

If you want to cycle from A to B even in bad weather, you should have the appropriate clothing with you.

 

Practical rain poncho

The rain poncho for the bike offers comfortable all-around protection from head to knee. According to the manufacturer Hock, it is 100 percent waterproof. The reflective elements and the side viewing windows in the hood, which do not restrict your view, ensure safety. The poncho is also cut particularly wide in the handlebar area, which prevents blockages when steering and accidents.

 

The low weight, the sewn-in handles at handlebar height, and the hip strap with which the rain cape can be individually and precisely attached to the body are practical. So the poncho doesn't flutter in the wind while driving. Another plus is the front inner pocket, in which a smartphone and keys can be stowed. If it is dry, it can also serve as a space-saving storage bag for rain protection.

 

Comfortable rain jackets

Instead of a rain poncho, you can also use weatherproof functional jackets as practical rainwear. These have the advantage that they can also be worn for other outdoor activities.

 

The Jack Wolfskin cycling jackets are, however, perfectly designed for cyclists: they are cut a little longer at the back so that the back is completely covered even when cycling leaning forward. In addition, the hood is big enough that the bicycle helmet can fit underneath. Reflective tape details ensure better visibility.

 

The zippered jackets are not only waterproof but also breathable. So you don't break a sweat even when driving faster. The Atlas Tour JKT rain jacket by Jack Wolfskin for women and men is available in different colors. If you don't like them, you can read in this article about functional jackets which models were able to score points at Stiftung Warentest and are therefore also recommended.

 

Comfortable rain pants

If you don't wear a rain poncho and prefer to wear a rain jacket, you have to protect your legs for cycling, otherwise, your thighs, in particular, will get wet. Rain pants are simply pulled over normal clothing and protect them. They are therefore particularly light and of course also breathable.

 

According to the manufacturer, the women's model from Regatta is permanently water-repellent. It scores with an elastic waistband and sealed seams. The breathable trousers can also be easily cleaned in the washing machine. The only drawback of these rain pants: You have to do without reflectors.

 

The Vaude model for men, on the other hand, has reflective elements for better visibility. These rain pants are also waterproof, windproof, and breathable. It is also environmentally friendly and made from sustainable materials.

 

Overshoes for dry feet

Anyone who regularly travels by bike knows that when it rains you not only get wet from above, but also from splashing water from the street or other road users. Therefore, weatherproof jackets or rain ponchos are not enough to get through the traffic dry. Feet in particular remain unprotected even when wearing a rain poncho.

 

The practical overshoes from Vaude provide a remedy: Strip them over the shoes to keep feet dry and, thanks to their light color and reflectors, ensure additional safety. They completely cover the shoe and ankle so that rainwater has no chance.

 

Alternatively, you can of course use rain pants that protect your shoes at the same time. This also has the advantage that you have to carry less rain gear with you.

 

Rain cover for the bicycle helmet

In the broadest sense, rainwear also includes a helmet cover: If you wear a helmet, which we recommend to all cyclists, you can protect it, for example, with the waterproof cover from BTR. This keeps your head dry and you are more visible thanks to the reflectors. The cover is waterproof, windproof, breathable, and available in numerous colors. Thanks to the cord, it can be adapted to any bicycle helmet so that it does not slip.

 

Rain gear for the bike: matching luggage

If you cycle to work, you have to transport your laptop or documents, for example. But also privately you almost always have your smartphone, keys, and other everyday items with you. To store these safely and, above all, dry, even in rainy weather, waterproof bags or backpacks are essential for cyclists.

 

How to properly choose bicycle panniers?

 

When we enter a higher level of cycling tourism, we also want to increase comfort while riding. One of the pieces of equipment that have a significant impact on this aspect of the journey is bicycle panniers. How to choose the right model? Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

 

On a trip or to the city?

The first thing we should determine is the purpose of the pannier. Another pannier will work in the city, where it will be used to transport a laptop and documents or other small items. Such a model does not have to offer a lot of space. Its appearance and modern design will be much more important. Yet another bicycle panniers will prove themselves during a bicycle trip. The one that we want to take on a distant journey must have more specialized parameters. A suitable model, intended for cycling tourism, should be, above all, waterproof.

 

Bicycle pannier capacity

The pannier that we will have with us when moving around the city does not have to be large. Bicycle panniers with a total capacity of 30 liters will be optimal. A long trip on a two-wheeler requires us to take more things, which is associated with the need to increase the luggage space. The minimum capacity of panniers, in this case, is 50 liters. Currently, there are many models with much larger dimensions on the market, but the Ortlieb brand remains unsurpassed in this competition, which was one of the first to introduce panniers with a total capacity of 70 liters! However, if we no longer have smaller panniers and we do not want to buy another set, we can always buy additional pockets and bags.

 

Where to install bicycle bags?

Where we install our panniers is important. The appropriate distribution of the weight of the luggage contributes to the optimal balance of the bike. Which, in turn, translates into its maneuverability and safety while driving. For this reason, with heavier luggage, you should consider having two sets of panniers - one for the front and one for the back of the bike. A load on the rear wheel only could lead to its overload and damage. To avoid serious complications on the route, even at the planning stage, we should pay special attention to weight distribution.

 

Watertightness and durability of the bicycle pannier

The best models are sewn from durable and damage-resistant materials, such as Cordura or polyester. In both cases, the manufacturers additionally coat the fabrics with a PVC layer, which guarantees complete waterproofing. This effect is further enhanced by the use of glued seam technology. The method of closing the pannier also affects its water resistance. Proven and at the same time, the most popular closing systems are hood and roll-up. Both solutions allow easy access to the contents and guarantee full waterproofness. If our choice is a model that meets all the above-mentioned requirements, we will be 100% sure that our equipment will not get wet. This is all the more important because water-soaked equipment noticeably increases its weight,

 

What else should you pay attention to?

Another point to keep in mind when choosing the right model is how to assemble and disassemble it. The best bicycle panniers have mounting systems refined in every detail, even the smallest ones, and enable the pannier to be attached with one movement. In addition, our pannier should have reflective tape elements that will increase visibility on the trail during cloudy days or when it gets dark. Many benefits also come from having models equipped with transport handles, allowing you to easily transport the pannier after the ride. A long journey increases the number of essentials, which in turn also increases the volume of luggage. In such a situation, the presence of compression belts, which will reduce its volume, may prove invaluable.

 

Extra space - bicycle bags

A great alternative to another, large panniers are bicycle bags, which are perfect as a kind of "hand luggage". The most popular models are mounted on the steering wheel. The handlebar bag allows quick and direct access to the essentials. Inside such a bag you will find accessories such as a phone, camera, power bank, wallet, first aid kit ... that is, everything that is most important during a trip and that it is always good to have at your fingertips. In addition, a map holder can be mounted on the flap of the bicycle bag, which will serve as waterproof navigation. Of course, on the tourist market, there are also other, equally practical models, e.g. mounted on a frame or placed under the saddle.

 

How to pack the equipment?

In the case of the simplest solution, i.e. a set of panniers mounted on the rear part of the bike, the matter is very simple. You just need to remember the appropriate division of equipment into categories. One pannier should contain only things such as clothing, cosmetics, and a towel. The best solution will also be to put a light sweatshirt or a raincoat on the top so that in case of bad weather you can quickly use the additional cover. The second sajwa should be used as a place to store camping equipment - snacks, freeze-dried food, burner, and tourist dishes. If you are also planning to sleep in the wild, it is worth having a transport bag to protect the tent, sleeping bags, and mats against rain.

Are you going by bike or scooter? Backpacks with LED signal lights

 

Many people daily use their bicycles or electric scooter to go to work or study. And it is that in recent years, we have seen how urban mobility has been changing. More and more people prefer to use this type of transport and leave their car parked, as well as not having to use public transport.

 

This has meant that in many of the streets of the main cities, we find more and more people who travel by bicycle or electric scooter. The accidents in which this type of means of transport has been involved have been many in recent years, which has made the DGT is establishing new rules in the use of them.

 

Although some of the causes of these accidents are the recklessness of the drivers themselves, the lack of signage is another major problem. Although on bicycles it is somewhat easier to indicate our maneuvers with the arm, with the scooter it is somewhat more complicated, for that reason, we are going to show below some models of backpacks with LED lights to signal our maneuvers and that other drivers can know what we will do in advance.

 

When buying one of these backpacks with the signaling of maneuvers through LED lights, it is important to take into account several aspects. One of them is its capacity, here we will have to think about our needs, if we are one of those who need to carry many things in our backpack, such as a laptop, work clothes, etc. On the other hand, it is important to check if it has other reflective material elements since this will help us to be much more visible when we are driving at night.

 

Of course, if the fabric is waterproof, we will avoid that any dip while we move, which can wet everything that we carry inside. The capacity of its battery is also another important piece of information since we need sufficient autonomy so that we can signal our maneuvers throughout our journey.

 

Another option to take into account is that it has a remote control, a control that we can attach to the handlebars of our bicycle or scooter and from which we can control each of the signs that appear on the backpack itself. It is also interesting to check the size of the signals, the number of LEDs, etc.

 

Backpacks with LED signage

Backpack with a 35-liter capacity that incorporates a USB charger and is made of high-quality, water-resistant, and highly durable nylon. The built-in battery offers an autonomy of up to 12 hours and offers the possibility of displaying three LED signals to indicate a left turn, right turn, and danger signal when we go by bicycle or scooter. It also has other reflective elements so that we can be seen on the road without any problem.

 

Backpack with an executive design measuring 48 × 38 cm, padded straps for maximum comfort, and a remote control function with built-in control to be placed on the handlebar of the bike or scooter. In this way, from the command itself, we can indicate the signals that will be displayed on the backpack through its panel of LED lights.

Darkness: "50 traffic accidents avoidable"

 

According to the police, up to 50 serious accidents with pedestrians in Salzburg could be avoided every year if people had dressed in lighter colors or even wore a safety vest. Even a small reflector on clothing can be seen from 150 meters away.

 

Seen or not seen - this question can make the difference between life and death on the road in the cold season when the days are short and the nights long. It was not until mid-November that a dark-clad pensioner was overlooked by a moped driver and fatally injured in the process.

 

According to the Salzburg traffic police, between 30 and 50 accidents per year could be avoided with appropriate clothing and behavior that is adapted to the dark. "Serious accidents don't always happen, but there are many near-accidents and evasive maneuvers, which in turn lead to accidents. The decisive factor for me is that these accidents could be avoided very easily if one behaved accordingly," says Friedrich Schmidhuber from the Salzburg traffic police.

 

Dressed in dark: visible up to 25 meters away

According to traffic experts, pedestrians dressed in dark clothes can be seen up to a maximum of 25 meters in time at night. Light-colored clothing or neon colors almost double this distance, but only with reflective material are passers-by up to 140 meters visible.

 

Police: Older people have some catching up to do

While this has worked for young people for years, adults have some catching up to do here. "Older people, in particular, underestimate this risk massively. Also, dark clothing is often worn, which makes the situation even worse," says Schmidhuber. Often pedestrians would not be aware of the fact that outside a local area there is a regulation to use the left side of the street or, if available, the banquet.

 

Tip: light-colored clothing, safety vests, warning tapes

According to the police, it would be easy to be seen by drivers even in the dark. The police recommend consciously wearing light-colored clothing during the dark months and putting reflective safety vests or reflective tapes on the upper arms.

Do you like riding a bike? Remember about safety

 With the increase in temperature and the arrival of sunny days, more and more cyclists appear on the roads of the Ostrów district.

 

The bicycle is an economical means of transport that has a good impact on our health. Due to the spring weather, more cyclists appear on the roads. Therefore, policemen from the KPP Road Traffic Department in Ostrów Mazowiecka, out of concern for the health and life of two-wheelers, started an action plan called My bike, my life, aimed at the safety of cyclists on April 1. Police officers will pay attention to the behavior of cyclists on the road and car drivers towards the drivers of two-wheelers.

 

The officers remind you of the proper equipment of the two-wheeler and the traffic regulations for cyclists.

 

Before leaving, remember to check the technical condition of the bike, e.g. lighting, brakes, and tire condition. A reflective vest will additionally mark our presence on the road. A cyclist should use a cycle path, and in its absence - on the right side of the road.

 

We should also remember that it is forbidden to drive on the road next to another road user - unless it does not obstruct the traffic of others or endanger the safety of other road users. Moreover, the use of the pavement or footpath by a bicycle rider is allowed only if: an adult takes care of a child under 10 years of age who rides a bicycle, the width of the sidewalk along the road on which vehicle traffic is allowed at a speed greater than 50 km / h is min. 2 m and there is no separate road for bicycles, a bicycle lane or the weather threatens the cyclist's safety on the road (snowfall, wind, downpour, black ice, dense fog) - then the bicycle driver gives way to pedestrians and is particularly careful.

 

Remember that it is forbidden to ride a bicycle: on highways and expressways, after a pedestrian crossing (you need to get off the bike and carry a two-wheeled vehicle), on the road - if there is a designated bicycle path or there is a shoulder, without holding min. 1 hand on the steering wheel and feet on the pedals.

 

Moreover, a person riding a bicycle must not "cling to a vehicle", tow another cyclist or a person on roller skates or a skateboard, transport another person on a single bicycle, talk on the phone, hold it in their hand, ride after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

 

Children up to 7 years of age can be transported in a special seat or a special trailer pulled by a bicycle. Children over 10 years of age can apply for a bicycle card authorizing them to cycle on a public road. Parents who allow their children to cycle on the street without a bicycle license show extreme irresponsibility for their health and even life.

 

Recently, many bicycle paths have been created in Ostrów Mazowiecka. The police remind you that according to the road markings, they are driven on the right-hand side. Remember that if a bicycle path crosses the road, the same rule applies as on a pedestrian crossing, i.e. a cyclist is obliged to stop before entering, and only when he is sure that the car is not approaching can he pass. A cyclist has priority only when he is on the crossing.

 

Let's remember the basic rules of the road - so that each trip ends with a safe return home and nice memories.

Mandatory airbag vest? Spanish motorcyclists don't want airbags

 

We wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. But would you be equally cheerful if it was compulsory to wear an airbag vest?

 

Mandatory vests are trying to push through the Directorate General for Road Traffic in Spain. The initiative is also supported by Asociación Nacional de Empresas del Sector de Dos Ruedas (Anesdor), an association of companies operating in the two-wheeled automotive sector, and even the personal support of Pere Navarro, president of Dorna, the company responsible for the preparation of the World Motorcycle Championship. In short, the matter is serious.  

 

The campaign has also been going on for weeks, accompanied by the hashtag #PonteUnAirbag. The campaign aims to raise the awareness of motorcycle and moped users about the benefits of wearing a vest or an airbag jacket.

 

What arguments do the vest advocates use? Anesdor's Secretary-General José María Riaño stressed the "great importance" of the airbag for motorcyclists "which has great potential to reduce injuries in the event of an accident".

 

Also, studies by Real Automóvil Club de España (RACE) have been published, which confirm the effectiveness, in a crash test, of three different types of airbags for motorcyclists. In all three cases, the airbag was deployed before the dummy hit the vehicle (in less than 120 milliseconds).

 

But it is one thing to consciously, freely choose a vest, and another order and regulation, the non-observance of which will result in punishing motorcyclists by law enforcement agencies. In opposition to the narrative of pillow supporters, Asociación Mutua Motera (AMM) - a Spanish organization of motorcyclists, surveyed to investigate the mood of two-wheelers about vests.

 

It turned out that only slightly more than 29% of respondents considered that vests with pillows should be mandatory. As many as 65% of respondents opted for a free choice and do not want any compulsion to wear special clothing. Just over 2.5 thousand people participated in the study. motorcyclists.

 

Why is the campaign and debate about airbags in Spain important to us? Because the solution that will eventually be adopted by the local authorities may result in similar ideas in other EU countries. And yet we know very well how much the government loves regulations, orders, and bans, especially if it can generously impose new penalties on them in the fines of mandates.

 

Or maybe life and health are more important than our whim? Are you willing to accept the obligation to use airbag jackets and safety vests or not? Just a reasonable argument, please.