In June this year, I had the pleasure
of meeting some friends from Forum Skuterowo.com and have two rides. We moved
at the edge of the right lane at around 50 km / h. Of course, we were
overtaken. Unfortunately, the width of the roads and intensity in the traffic
often prevented the single scooter from overtaking, let alone five. In
particular, trucks under load were particularly difficult. Despite the fact
that we were driving so that between us could enter the overtaking vehicle it
sometimes took several kilometers to overtake our group. I realized that one of
the most common threats for scooter users is overtaking other vehicles. Closing
the whole group I compared how we are visible from the back.
Four out of five were dressed in dark
or gray sweatshirts or windbreakers. One colleague put on a bright green
jacket. Each of us mounted a different vehicle brand. During the ride, each of
us had low beam lights turned on. We traveled quite a considerable distance
along different routes, in variable road conditions and times of the day. I
came to the conclusion that the rule about using dipped lights or driving
during the day all day is one of the positive steps of our legislator. Even
with good visibility, a black-scooter riding a dark-dressed colleague blended
with the surroundings. His single bulb in the back lamp and white stripes on
the helmet would be the only elements that could catch the eyes of the drivers
of the approaching vehicles. We were least visible when driving through
forests, shaded areas during rain and when it was cloudy. Effectively, scooters
with a large rear lamp were distinguished in the above-mentioned conditions.
The Kymco Vitality and Romet 717 rear lights were visible from far away and
clearly, regardless of the conditions. The Piaggio Fly 50 and Router Sport 50
were worse. Other colors that influenced our safety were the colors of our
vehicles and helmets. Gray and black scooter and the helmets of the same color
blended with the surroundings. The red of two scooters and two helmets were
elements that stood out and attracted attention in the environment. My Jaw is
now over 30 years old. In its heyday, there was a completely different
technique and other provisions were in force. In the rear lamp of my vehicle,
there is one 5-watt incandescent light bulb. This moped was not equipped with a
stop light. The front headlamp has a 15/15 watt bulb. These lights shine like
torches with a draining battery. In addition, the rear lamp covers the trunk.
Some of us are aware of the hazards that can meet us on the road and improve
their visibility put on reflective
vests, and one of us
has a jacket with a flashy bright green color.
When it is necessary to repair the
vehicle or perform other activities within the lane it is worth to be visible
to other participants in road traffic.
I observed that they were the first
element of a moving scooter observed from the rear. In addition, I felt more
confident wearing a vest when my Jawek temporarily stunned on a fairly busy
route without a shoulder. I was forced to set it on the edge of the lane and
carry out repairs.
Following the forum, I see that many
users use their scooters and mopeds for commuting, among others to work and
overcome even 30 km one way. My suggestion is this. If your scooter is gray or
black, you are wearing a dark riding suit, it is worth investing in a
reflective vest. Your road safety will increase significantly. I also think
that other road participants will also perceive a rider dressed in such armor
as seriously treating participant traffic.
My next suggestion is that Skuterowo
in the store will put on sale such a part of the scooter's wardrobe for sale. A
vest of light green color, equipped with wide fluorescent stripes fastened with
a zipper, because turnips cannot withstand gusts of wind. The vest should also
include the logo of our forum, which I would gladly wear.
