Bicycle safety
Drivers have to ensure that their vehicle is roadworthy. The main inspection, which together with the emissions test is also known colloquially as the "TÜV", is carried out for this purpose. There is no obligation to have a regular inspection for bicycles, but frequent cyclists in particular should check their bicycles at regular intervals or have them checked by specialists, for example at a bicycle dealer. Are the lights working? Are the brakes still correctly adjusted? Are there enough air in the tires? Is the chain lubricated? And the same applies to pedelecs and e-bikes: the battery, drive and other components also require attention to prevent a breakdown on the road.
Especially in the dark season, it is not enough to rely solely on bicycle lights and reflectors. In order to be seen even better and as early as possible by other road users, clothing should also be reflective or at least consist of bright, luminous (fluorescent) colors. Because cyclists can see what is happening on the road for a relatively long time, it is often underestimated that car drivers perceive their surroundings in a completely different - and worse - way. In the dark, people wearing dark clothing are only recognized at a distance of around 25 metres. With light-colored or fluorescent clothing, the distance is 40 meters. And with reflectors and lights, visibility is 140 meters!
What's more, as a cyclist you are not surrounded by heaps of sheet metal as you are with motor vehicles. On the one hand, this is nice because you can see much more of your surroundings. On the other hand, however, you are not protected in the event of an impact, such as a fall. For this reason, a bicycle helmet should always be on your head - and not just for "beginners". To make sure you find the right helmet for you, be sure to seek advice from a specialist store!
By the way: Helmets are compulsory for S-pedelec riders and e-bikers (with the exception of e-bikes up to 20 km/h)!
