They started out on bikers with reflective vest

The obligatory reflective equipment of bicycles this week was targeted by the police officers of the preventive information group of the Municipal Police. They checked the bikers walking along the swimming pool.

To check the cyclists, a patrol of patrollers went to the area. Unfortunately, it did not impose fines, but it gave free cyclists, who did not have their bikes in order, free reflectors, reflective tapes, or cycling maps.

"The smallest cyclists who had a protective helmet on their feet, who is under the age of eighteen, have received a reflective vest from the police, because the road is subject to the rule of seeing, but mainly to be seen," Kano Municipal Police spokesman Froehlich said.

And what's the mandatory bike gear? Two independent power brakes, a front white reflector, a red rear reflector, an orange reflector on both sides of the pedals, a side mirror on the wheel rails, a grip on the handlebars, and an end of the levers covered with energy-absorbing material, and a closed wheel nut. Under reduced visibility, the reflectors must be replaced with white and red light.

"With the preventive checks of cyclists, the Blades will be able to meet again several times before the end of the holiday," the police spokesman added.

Reflective Technology: Night Eye emancipated from motorcycle

On 2 wheels, engine innovation! Originally developed by MACNA for motorcycle, the Night Eye system is quickly surprised and seduced. So much so that this high night vision technology is now validated and used by the giant Nike.

Jacket motorcycle and scooter reflective equipment MACNA Concrete Night Eye Remember what was there a year ago to the day: October 8, 2012, the Dutch supplier MACNA surprised everyone during the Frankfurt Motor Show with the Concrete Night Eye jacket. This innovative technology offers maximum visibility at night while maintaining a jacket (or pants) discreet during the day. Using tiny glass beads placed on textiles, Night Eye system we were literally amazed during our test, that the video (at the bottom of this article) shows clearly.

The bike: One area of ​​real innovation

Nike Flash, a range using the Night Eye technology developed by MACNA for motorcycle given the effectiveness of the device, it is no wonder it is reused for other activities. And this is Nike, which supports the first with a reflective tape of clothing, called Flash Pack, and shoes for running to be as visible as possible in low-light conditions, the pedestrian being particularly vulnerable to vehicles. True, the rates are high for the moment but it is hoped that the popularization of this technology will make it quickly accessible.

From our side, we welcomed a concept emerged in the world of motorized two-wheeled found success in this way. This is, we believe, prove that the middle interests us has something to bring real solutions to security problems through innovative companies and taking the lead on legislation still perfectible and restrictive, as unfortunately demonstrated the imbroglio vest and retro-reflective armbands .

Mandatory retro-reflective facilities

It is official: as of 1 January 2013, motorcycle drivers and scooters of over 125 cm3 and motor tricycles over 20 hp should wear retro reflective equipment, under penalty of a fixed fine of 68 Euros and a withdrawal of two points!

The Ministry of Interior has published in the Official Journal Decree No. 2012-3 of 3 January 2012, specified by an order of January 3, 2012, on retro reflective equipment that will be mandatory from 1 January 2013 for drivers and passengers of a motorized two-wheelers over 125 cm3 " or L5e category vehicle with a power greater than 15 kW " (20.4 hp, Ed).

Not mandatory for cycling and 125

Specifically, if it is almost expressly MP3 drivers, this obligation does not touch - for now - the drivers of cyclists and 125 cm3. Which greatly surprising, since due to their smaller size and less powerful lighting, cyclists and 125 are even less visible than big cars...?

Reportedly, this was explained by the fact that these vehicles operate primarily in urban areas, where fatalities are fewer. On the other hand, users of mopeds and 125 have already been sufficiently "cooled" by previous decisions of the IRB, respectively Technical Supervision and training of 7 days...

There is however likely that this requirement with reflective material will extend in future to all two and three-wheel regardless of displacement, according to the same pattern as the helmet (first made compulsory in 1973 for large displacement out agglomeration, and then gradually extended to all PTWs).

Is my jacket compliant?

According to the decree published today in the Official Journal, the equipment can be retro-reflective "in one or more parts “but must always" be a total area of at least 150 cm2.” Waiting to see on our roads - with some perverse forward, let's face it! - the "security forces" out their tape measure, it is necessary to accurately measure all the reflective portions of your existing jacket to see if it will pass the 2013 bug ...

If retro reflective equipment does not comply it will be changing jacket or him "superimpose by any means" provided that it is “focused on the upper body, except the helmet, from the waist with the shoulder line, so as to be visible to other road users.”

Clearly, a Reflective Armband 30 cm by 5 slipped over the handle will do ... which is surprisingly not the case that distributed to journalists by the Ministry of Transport! With 25 cm of 5.8 (or 145 cm2), the official cuff "Road safety all responsible" (photo above) is simply not consistent...