Cyclists, you need to be careful about these rules to avoid fines

Each traffic participant accounts for only 50 percent, the other half falls to other road users, so traffic safety depends first and foremost on whether all road users comply with the rules prescribed by law. If safety is not your priority, you may feel a slap in the pocket if you obey the prescribed rules. Because, as much as some rules may sound strange to you, they are not there to be violated. Whoever breaks, except with injuries, can end up with a blank wallet.

While motorists are required to pass a driving test, cyclists are exempt from that part of the law. However, this does not mean that they do not need to know the Road Traffic Safety Act and the Ordinance on the technical conditions of vehicles in road traffic. Basic provisions According to the law, cyclists are one of the road users and are defined by the law as persons who in any way participate in road traffic.

Traffic participants are obliged to abide by the restrictions, prohibitions, and obligations expressed using posted traffic signs, otherwise, they will be fined 500 HRK, the law states. If you obey the order of a police officer or other official, you will be fined HRK 300. Not to repeat, a bicycle is, according to the letter of the law, a vehicle that has at least two wheels and is powered solely by the power of the rider and is either cycling lane or cycle path. The difference between the two terms is the following: the lane is a part of the roadway intended for the traffic of bicycles which extends along the roadway and which is marked by a longitudinal line on the roadway and a prescribed traffic sign; while a bike lane is a built-up traffic surface intended for bicycle traffic that is separated from the roadway and marked by a prescribed traffic sign.

Appearance - light As regards the appearance of bicycles and other vehicles of road users, the law prohibits deciduous lighting, light-signaling or reflecting devices or substances that give colored light (blue lights, etc.) on the front and devices on the rear. or substances that give off white light. The penalty for disobedience is five hundred kunas. The bicycle does not have to have the lights on when it is stopped or parked in the village at the edge of the roadway. Turning and moving A fine of three hundred kunas follows for each failure to inform the other participants of the intention to move. So, when turning, it is necessary to point your hand in the direction in which it is intended to proceed, just as motorists must use "flashing lights". Direction is obligatory on the right side of the pavement, that is, on a bicycle path or lane along the right edge of the pavement or road in the direction of movement, and a lane or track arranged and marked for two-way bicycle traffic, on the right side of the lane or track in the direction of movement. The driver is obliged to move with the marked traffic lane extending along the right edge of the roadway, and if the lane is unmarked, he is obliged to keep the vehicle in motion as close as possible to the right edge of the roadway and at such a distance from it that - given the speed of the vehicle, traffic conditions and the condition and characteristics of the road - it does not endanger other road users and does not put itself at risk. Otherwise, another 300 kunas fine. Bicycle riders are required to move on a cycle path or lane, and if they do not, as close to the right edge of the roadway as possible. If you are moving in a group, there is no running side by side but one behind the other. That is, as stated in the Law, if two or more riders of bicycles, mopeds or motorcycles move in a group, they are obliged to move one after the other. If police officers catch you in a misdemeanor, you will have to be prepared to pay a fine of HRK 300. A pedestrian pushing a bicycle must move along the right edge of the roadway in the direction of movement, otherwise, he will be fined HRK 300. If, however, it occurred to someone to ride a motorway, a highway and a road intended exclusively for the traffic of motorized importers, except that they would be in grave danger, they would have to cash out HRK 500.

Trailers and Transportation If you didn't know, the law allows bikes to tow a trailer on the road. In road traffic, a two-wheeled trailer may be towed by bicycle and moped so that the stability of the vehicle is ensured. The trailer must not be more than 80 cm wide and its total mass must not exceed 50 kg. At the rear, it must have two catadioptric prescribed for trailers. A bicycle and moped driver will be fined HRK 300 for misdemeanors if he does the opposite. No objects larger than 50 cm on each side of the vehicle may be carried on a bicycle. No objects wider than 80 cm should be carried on a bicycle trailer. A fine of HRK 300 shall be imposed on a bicycle rider if he acts contrary to the provisions of this prohibited article. at the same time with both hands on the steering wheel, cling to the other vehicle, transport, tow or push objects that may interfere with the steering of the vehicle or endanger other road users. The driver of a road pavement bicycle on a public road is required to be marked with a reflective vest or cycling reflective clothing at night and day in the event of reduced visibility. Penalty - 300 kuna. There are no friends on the bike. The law allows persons over the age of 18 to transport a person over the age of 8, provided that the bicycle has separate seats for each person, a hand and foot holder, or pedals. Otherwise, the fine is 300 kuna. As regards the transport of children under eight years of age, the bicycle must have a special seat fitted, adjusted to the size of the child and firmly connected to the bicycle. It is obligatory to wear a helmet to the child and to attach it properly and properly to the head. Failure to comply with any of the conditions is subject to a fine of HRK 300.

Helmet Protective helmet, when traveling on the road, must be worn on the head by bicycle riders under the age of 16 years, otherwise, a fine of HRK 300 will be imposed. Alcohol and driving affecting psychophysical and driving skills, or if there is alcohol in the blood above 0.50 g / kg, or an appropriate amount of milligrams in a liter of exhaled air, otherwise a fine of HRK 500 will be imposed. quit too much or be positive about drugs or drugs that affect psychophysical and vehicle management abilities A bicycle on the road may be operated by a person who has reached the age of 14. Children from the age of nine who are trained in bicycle management in schools who have been issued a certificate are allowed to operate the bicycle on the road independently, while other children from the age of nine are only accompanied by a person who has reached the age of 16. The cycling training program, the cycling exam program and the certificate form are prescribed by the minister responsible for education.

Clas Ohlson draws this after worry message from mother

The hardware chain stops all sales until they have several tests of the reflex harness.

"I was startled. I knew my seven-year-old daughter was out at the neighbor's house playing with a reflective harness," says Hanne Larsen to Altaposten, about whether the west store chain now withdraws from all stores in Norway.

Larsen was made aware that the harness reflected poorly when she was contacted by a driver who did not see her walking along the road wearing the reflex reflector.

The harness, which is aimed at joggers and cyclists, was withdrawn shortly after the newspaper's contact with MadsChristian Gribbestad, communications adviser in Clas Ohlson, from the store.

"For us, the safety of our customers is the most important thing. We regard this as so serious that all stores in Norway have now been told to pull the product in question until both we and the Danish supplier get it tested further," says Gribbestad to Nettavisen.

In Norway and the EU, reflectors are required to be CE marked. This should assure the consumer that the product has a so-called minimum reflection.

Where could it have failed, so this product anyway ended up for sale?

All our reflexes comply with EU requirements. A recall message was sent to all our stores and we are now in dialogue with the manufacturer about several tests, as well as that we will run our tests internally. This is to reveal whether there is a production error on a single batch or if the problem is more extensive.

"If any customers feel uncomfortable with going with these, they can contact their nearest store and have the purchase canceled," says Gribbestad.

Clas Ohlson does not want to go out with how many such seals have been sold but states that it is not the most popular type of reflexes sold.

CE-stamped reflex

Safe traffic writes on their websites that the quality differences are large among the many different types of reflectors and manufacturers.

"There are also fun reflective products that give very little effect. Some are both fine and effective, while others produce almost no effect. Therefore, you should look for reflexes that have a CE mark," they write.

When it comes to recommending which solution works best, hanger reflexes and so-called slap wrap that can be attached around the arms and legs are highlighted. So in combination with a reflective vest, you should be on the safe side. Safe traffic points out that reflex spray only gives six to seven percent reflex power and is the worst solution.

Have pedestrians forbidden to be distracted by gadgets at the crossings?

"The new edition of the rules of the road will forbid pedestrians to be distracted by gadgets while crossing the road," BelTA agency quotes the senior inspector on special assignments of the UGAI of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Alexander Shevchenko. It's about using smartphones and listening to music on headphones. However, it is not yet known how they will be punished for this violation and when the new rules will take effect.

Recall that a public discussion of the draft amendments to the decree on measures to improve road safety was held in May. Now the document is being agreed with government agencies.

The issue of headphones at pedestrian crossings and railway crossings has been raised for a long time. Regularly, in the accident report, people were injured or died because they did not hear the sound of an approaching car or even a train! For example, back in 2015, in an interview with Komsomolka, the head of the Minsk State Automobile Inspection Dmitry Korzyuk said :

"Our main request: when approaching the transition, you need to make sure that it is impossible to cross this intersection with headphones in your ears. I don't like this either, as well as the fact that many cross the road without looking up from the phone screen. But if today we ban headphones, then tomorrow it will be necessary to remove hats and hoods - everything that interferes with the review. A pedestrian is simply obliged to be careful and make sure of his safety before crossing the road. We are all responsible for our lives."

What else do you want to change in the new traffic rules?

They want to introduce the concept of "personal mobility tool." This will include electric scooters, monowheels, gyro scooters, which accelerate no more than 25 km / h. Their "drivers" will be equated with pedestrians. They want to equate powerful electric scooters (over 0.25 kW) with mopeds with all the ensuing consequences: obtaining a driver's license, passing a vehicle inspection and insurance.

Cyclists will have to dismount only when crossing an unregulated pedestrian crossing. In other cases, you can ride without getting off your bike, but not faster than the speed of a walking pedestrian. They want to prescribe a green path for cyclists in the rules and also oblige cyclists and mopeds to wear a reflective vest with reflective tape in the dark.

They will introduce the so-called "rule of two lanes": they promise to indicate at what time and in what place the driver must stop to let the pedestrian pass. Now the situation with the so-called "pedestrian access" is interpreted differently, leading to conflicts between drivers and inspectors.

The procedure for passing exams at the traffic police will change - it will be possible to take it by car with a gun. In this case, they will put the appropriate mark in the rights - it will be possible to ride only on the machine. They also intend to introduce a point system of fines: it will work in addition to the existing fines. For different violations, a different number of points will be awarded. If you accumulate 15 points per year, the driver will be taken away for six months.

The reflective spray gives almost zero effect

The days are getting shorter. The darkness lasts for a long time in the morning and comes quickly in the evening.

Then it's time to dig out the reflectors from drawers and cabinets or take a walk in the store to buy new ones. But which reflexes should you choose?

NAF has directed the searchlight, or rather, the car headlights towards six reflective vests, various small reflexes, knitting products of reflective yarn, reflective umbrella and reflective spray.

The reflex products in the test cost from NOK 15 to 800 and most of them are sold in regular chain stores. NAF has even been around Oslo and bought the products.

Provides false security

The test shows that the non-traditional products consistently do poorly, and the big loser of the test must be said to be the reflex spray.

All products were tested with 50- and 100-meter dipped beams and high beams, and the reflective spray was not visible in any of the lightings.

Do not use a reflective spray to see. The use of such spray gives false security, says Stig Schibbye, owner of Reflexconsult AS, who is referred to as Norway's foremost reflex expert.

Reflex consultants have measured reflective spray against a standard reflective vest with a minimum visibility of 250 meters and found that the spray lit only 17 meters through the dark.

This means that the reflective spray gives a seven percent effect of the minimum requirement.

Reassessing reflex spray

It was Albedo Reflective Spray from Clas Ohlson that was tested by NAF. This is a colorless spray that should reflect light in the dark, according to the product review.

Camilla Tully, the communications advisor in Clas Ohlson, says that the reflex spray is a recognized product that is being sold in several places in Norway, but that the store chain is now more skeptical about the product.

"The Reflection Spray is a new product at Clas Ohlson and based on the tests from NAF, we will take an internal review of the product and product information," Tully told Dinside.

Three reflex standards

NAF's test panel is generally skeptical of "fashion products", that is, non-reflective vests, tags or ties.

The traditional reflex products must be CE marked, which does not have to be the fashion reflectors. Therefore, it is difficult for you to know if the reflex has any effect.

If the reflector you buy is CE marked, it must be marked on the packaging, which indicates that the reflex complies with the personal protective equipment directive.

Schibbye from Reflex Consult has represented Norway in European collaboration on the preparation of reflex standards for the past 15 years.

"There is one standard for small products, such as reflective bands, tags and the like, and two standards for reflective vests. The vests are distinguished between those who appear medium and those who are very visible," says Schibbye.

Reflective vests are measured by reflective strips and the proportion of fluorescent material in the fabric. The total will be a combination of these two factors.

The vest wins

All six reflective vests that NAF tested did well, both with different light and distance.

The XXL reflective vest came out best from the vest, the only thing that pulled down was that it was a little hard to get on.

Most reflective vests in the test are relatively cheap, but the LED vest from Apotek 1 stands out with a price of NOK 299. However, this does not have to mean that this vest is better than the others in the test.

NAF points out that the LED vest had poor reflectivity, including at 100-meter dipped beam. The vest had the only reflex in the seams and the LED lights that flash only have battery power.

If you are going out in the autumn darkness, a good reflective vest is a safe choice, as it has a large surface.

"It is important to note that the reflex effect becomes significantly worse after the vest has been washed a dozen times, so a worn reflective vest should be replaced with a new one," says Ann-Kathrin Årøen in Safe Traffic.

Location is important

Several of the reflex products NAF tested had a poor effect because they were placed incorrectly.

So-called snap bands seem best if they are fastened around the ankles, as they can easily be covered by a bag or similar when on the arms.

"Dangling reflexes have the best effect as they move as you walk. Slapwraps and sticker reflexes also work well," says Åroen.

Schibbye in Reflex Consult says that the further down the body the reflex is placed, the better.

Various products that were knitted with reflex yarn were also placed under the magnifying glass, both homemade and factory-produced.

The headband knitted with Viking yarn suffered badly in the test because it was placed too high on the body. NAF's test panel recommends knitting mittens or heart rate warmer with the yarn since the yarn itself had good reflectivity.

"The yarn has only a thin reflective strip that will have varying visibility according to how the product is knitted. Large parts of the reflex can end up not appearing," says Schibbye.

Morild changes design

The scarf with reflective threads from Morild is the most expensive product of the test but by far the best. Since it is only a reflex at the bottom of the scarf, you must constantly make sure it seems.

After the test, Morild Norway AS has changed the design of the scarf, but it is clear that the garment is not intended as a replacement for ordinary reflexes.

"We do not produce and sell security products, nor any sense of security, neither real nor false. What we do, on the other hand, is fashion clothing with a bonus effect," says Lisa.

Positive to umbrella

However, not all fashion products are slaughtered in the test.

The trading network from Tanum and the umbrella from Clas Ohlson gave NAF a positive surprise. The products have a large reflective surface, and they have a function besides being a reflex, which gives you more value for money.

"Because so many do not use ordinary reflectors, our buyers try to use reflective materials as a design element in more products than before," says Tully in Clas Ohlson.

She is clear that there is a difference between CE and EU approved reflectors and products with reflective parts, and that the latter is an addition to traditional reflectors.

Adults leave the reflex at home

Early in the autumn, it is often not so dark in the morning, and many leave the house without reflection and forget that it is dark in the afternoon when they return home.

Observational surveys we conducted show that adults are poor at using reflex, only four out of ten do, says Årøen in Safe Traffic.

In general, Norwegians are reluctant to use reflex. The worst is in Oslo, where only 27 percent use reflex.

Safe traffic recommends looking for reflectors from drawers and cabinets, most of them have plenty of reflections lying at home, and attaching them to clothes, bags, and bags so that they are always there.

The best gift for children in Children’s Day

In Children's Day, all the boys and girls are happy because at this Festival they can ask their parents for present and gift. And how to choose a suitable gift for them is a bothering question for most the parents now.

Nowadays some parents will buy some toys for their children’s playing, while some choosing to buy some sweets and sugars for their children’s eating. But now, Chinastars offers you a new choice in Children's Day- buy your child a gift with some reflective elements.

We have a reflective umbrella which is printed with some reflective patents. These patents are good-looking and attracting, which will increase children’s interests in using. In that case, they are the sparkest star in the bad weather. They are willing to take it when raining. And these elements will protect them on rainy days.

What is more, we have several types of toys are making of reflective fabric. It can reflective in the night or low vision condition. This function will protect them when they are traveling outside. Buy one toy and get two gifts for your kids - happiness and safety.

We are one of the largest reflective fabrics and material makers in China. And we not only produce traditional reflective material but also other relative implements. You can go to our web site to choose your preferable gift for your child. Our website www.chinareflective.com.

At last, sincerely hope you and your child have an unforgettable Children's Day.

Explained what people in the car forget and where cyclists are on the road

There should be enough space for everyone on the road, but there is often confusion when it comes to car drivers and cyclists. The former says that cyclists should not drive in the driveway because it stops traffic, but the latter says it is a lack of tolerance for car drivers. Traffic safety experts do not support either side. According to them, both sides are breaking the rules.

Eduardas Kriščiūnas, a spokesman for the Lithuanian Cycling Society, said that the terms "overtake" and "overtake" are often confused. According to him, nowadays riders are more likely to ride cyclists than overtakes, but it is the latter maneuver that should be made by drivers who encounter a slower cyclist on the road. The cyclist also explained that the recommendations of 1.5 m lateral distance were not followed by drivers. E. Kriščiūnas assumed that this tendency prevails only because the aforementioned lateral distance when bending is only recommended, and without control, according to the interviewer, drivers do not tend to follow such an instruction.

According to the interlocutor, car drivers often show disrespect to cyclists when they overtake, and when they do, they turn right. According to the cyclist, this behavior also poses a danger to cyclists as they are forced to break or maneuver abruptly. Pedestrians also encounter to ensure safety not only for cyclists but also for other road users, E. Kriščiūnas advised cyclists not to ride on sidewalks, as well as pedestrians not to cycle paths. In both cases, both pedestrians and cyclists are at risk.

"See what's going on at a public transport stop near Vilnius City Municipality, where most people wait for buses or trolleys while standing on the bike lane. It also shows disrespect for cyclists and makes it difficult for them to go," said E. Kriščiūnas.

Cyclists Avoid Violations Driving instructor Olga Zhidovlenkova shared slightly different insights and said cyclists often disregard the Highway Code and choose what they feel comfortable with but not necessarily safe. One example is when cyclists are still moving in the carriageway instead of riding along a cycle path near the street. The driving instructor said that sometimes cyclists think of getting out on the streets in preparation for a race, which causes confusion and driver dissatisfaction. According to Mr. Zhidovlenkova, there is no shortage of cyclists on the road, who not only do not wear reflective vests but also run without functioning front and rear bicycle lights. Another problem is warning other road users of planned maneuvers. The driving instructor emphasized that cyclists often disregard the rule that when crossing a carriageway, the bicycle should be driven rather than driven.

However, the interviewer admitted that not all cyclists are offenders, as good examples can be found. Drivers need to be alert O. Zhidovlenkova advised drivers not to hurry to approach the cyclist, but to reduce speed and overtake when leaving another lane and leaving a safe lateral distance. Not only will the cyclist not be frightened, but the gust of wind caused by the car may push him away from the bike. Of course, cyclists should also take appropriate safety measures. According to the instructor, they should first make sure that they are visible as far as possible. You should also wear elbows, knee pads, and a helmet. It is also important to keep the cyclist as close to the right edge of the road as possible so that he is not endangered by a curving car.

Finally, emphasizing O. Zhidovlenkova, cyclists should remember more than one on the road. The driving instructor explained that a cyclist moving slower than cars, when not overtaken by other vehicles, can cause congestion, so the cyclist should pay attention to the traffic and, if necessary, stop at the sidewalk and skip over faster road users. Traffic must be safe Traffic police officials have reminded them that it is forbidden to drive in a driveway with a bicycle lane nearby. They also emphasized that bicycle riders are allowed for people under 14 and those with a school-issued bicycle license for those under 12. Officials noticed that even under the supervision of an adult, bicycle riders are allowed to ride to persons under the age of 8. The cops pointed out that cyclists can only start riding after they are sure their bike is in good working order. When there is no cycle path on the road or there is no bicycle lane or sidewalk on the right side of the road, cyclists are allowed to cross the sidewalk or the lane of the carriageway but as close as possible to its right edge. However, when riding on the sidewalk, pedestrian or bicycle path and sidewalk, the bicycle rider must give way to pedestrians and must not obstruct or endanger them. The pedestrian is allowed to pass at a speed close to the speed of the person (3 to 7 km / h), leaving a sufficient distance from the side for safe traffic. Every road user must take care of their safety and cyclists should ride with both hands on the steering wheel. There are cases where cyclists disregard this rule, officials said.

POLICE WITHOUT GRACE, TODAY'S NEW WAVE OF RIGOROUS CONTROLS

Police have acted intensely throughout December, which will continue today as well as throughout this week and will focus its activities on preventing and sanctioning the most serious offenses.

The interior ministry has issued a major warning to drivers regarding the Old and New Years. Police have been stepping up all month, and the same will continue these days. As the Old Year is today, there will be traffic jams around cities and roads outside urban areas, given that many are moving further today.

An increase in the number of traffic accidents involving fatalities was reported on the Old Year last year and in the first hours of the new 2018 - five people were killed in four traffic accidents. To prevent such tragedies, police will check that drivers comply with traffic rules and regulations.

The four things will check the most

"The police have acted intensely throughout December, which will continue today, as well as throughout this week, and will focus their activities on preventing and sanctioning the most serious offenses, in particular, the so-called. "Four major traffic killers" (alcohol, speed, seat belt, and cellphone) and according to repeat offenders - repeat offenders, the MUP said.

In addition to announcing rigorous controls, police also offered drivers tips to avoid traffic jams and traffic jams.

We are transmitting the communication in its entirety.

"Don't rush, take the time and go out sooner rather than cause a traffic accident,

Prepare your vehicle and yourself for the journey, especially if you are going for the long haul,

Get up-to-date on road conditions and traffic flow, as well as weather conditions that may affect you while traveling,

Observe traffic rules and regulations, do not initiate risky vehicle actions,

Adjust the speed to the road conditions and keep to its limits,

Keep the distance you need when moving behind another vehicle,

Pass pedestrians and exercise caution and slow down when approaching pedestrian crossings.

Tips for drivers who have consumed alcohol

Leave your car parked properly and walk away - it will benefit you and you will not endanger anyone,

Use public transit,

Use taxi services because it will be far safer and cheaper,

If you are in the company, arrange in advance who will stay sober and drive back,

Ask someone sober to drive you,

Do not sit behind the wheel for at least 24 hours after drinking a large amount of alcohol,

While driving under the influence of alcohol, you are not only endangering yourself but also other road users,

On nights of high risk (weekend), drive slower and more cautiously, whether you drink or not,

Remember that no reason is warranted for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

In addition to the driver, we also have some tips for pedestrians and cyclists:

Specifically, in winter, when days are shorter and visibility is often reduced due to weather conditions (fog, cloudy, precipitation), pedestrians are more difficult to spot for drivers.

Therefore, we advise everyone, especially older pedestrians, to wear lighter clothing or at least one garment in a lighter color (hat, scarf, etc.) to increase their visibility and thus directly affect their traffic safety. In addition to lighter clothing, we also recommend the use of reflective details (reflective vests, reflective hand straps or socks) for both pedestrians and cyclists, whose visibility is also reduced in the winter. Bicycle traffic has declined during the winter, however, a significant number of people continue to use it as a means of transport, which is why unlighted bikes and cyclists without reflective clothing are at increased risk of road traffic accidents.

Drivers are not the only ones who have to watch out

In addition to the police, motorists, like all other road users, with their responsible behavior, can also contribute to increasing the level of road safety.

We wish all of us to welcome the New Year safely and unharmed, and to accept these well-meaning advice so that the beginning of the year will pass us as calmly as possible and with as little traffic casualties as possible," police said.