Lighting & Co.
See and be seen: Only with these tools will your bike be roadworthy
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Cycling without lights is reckless, dangerous and of course forbidden. But lighting is not everything that makes a bike roadworthy. These tools belong on every bike. And not just when it gets dark.
“Hello, general traffic control!” This might sound familiar to some people. As a rule, the police check drivers, check their documents and take a look at warning triangles, safety vests and first-aid kits. But even young and old pedal riders are occasionally stopped to check whether the bike is roadworthy. But what are law enforcement actually paying attention to in this case? Does a bicycle have to be equipped with a permanently installed light? What about reflectors and the bell? If you want to avoid unpleasant situations or even fines, you should have answers to all of these questions. The star got information from the General German Bicycle Club eV (ADFC). Here are the key points that can make a bike roadworthy and avoid accidents.
Underrated accessories: bell and reflective pedals
It sounds banal, but without a bell you are not only lost in many situations, but you are also not safe on the road. Important: The bell must be bright, according to the ADFC. Why? A bell replaces the horn in cars and motorcycles and should, if possible, not be swallowed up by traffic noise. In addition, the ringing must also be audible for older people. To ensure that they sound particularly bright and loud, most bicycle bells are made of metal and are attached to the handlebars with a clamp so that you can easily operate them with your thumb. A distinction is made between the (with gear and internal beater) and the popular ones in which the beater is flicked against the metal housing from the outside. Also ball or are allowed. The latest craze are electric bicycle bells, which, in addition to their original tasks, also scare thieves away by producing a warning tone of up to 120 decibels as soon as unauthorized people tamper with the bike.
In order for a bicycle to be equipped in accordance with the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), two non-slip and securely screwed pedals are required on the crank. Alternatively, so-called clipless pedals, which are popular in cycling but also among sporty mountain bikers and gravel fans, are also permitted. Strictly speaking, these sports pedals do not comply with the StVZO, because it looks like that two yellow rear reflectors, also known as reflectors, that act forward and backward.
See and be seen: This lighting is mandatory
Anyone who rides a bicycle in traffic must be clearly visible to everyone else. An important piece of the puzzle to ensure this is so-called cat eyes. Their official name is and have also had to be attached to bicycles during the day since 2017. The following applies: At the rear, a red reflector marked “Z” is sufficient, which according to the regulations can also be integrated into the rear light. The counterpart that must be mounted at the front is white and can also be integrated into the headlight. Also the yellow ones are not a voluntary thing. The StVZO requires two per wheel. Alternatively, there are white ones allowed on the tires.
It should be clear to bikers that you should never rely on being seen by others. It is equally obvious that every bicycle must be equipped with lighting. According to Section 17 Paragraph 1 of the StVO, headlights and taillights must be used “at dusk, in the dark or when visibility requires it.” Important: A permanently installed lighting system, for example using a hub dynamo, is not required. Likewise must can no longer be carried during the day. This regulation was deleted from the relevant legal texts in 2017. As soon as dusk sets in, the lights should be installed.
Lighting approved by StVZO? These signs are important
The Federal Motor Transport Authority decides whether bicycle lights and reflectors are suitable for road use in Germany. The officials there check the lights and mark them with a wave, followed by the letter “K” and a combination of numbers if they meet the authority’s requirements. This applies to both permanently installed and removable battery-powered lights. It is important to know that these are usually missing the integrated reflector. But it is mandatory. If you don’t want to upgrade or convert your bike with a hub dynamo, you can’t avoid installing standard reflectors at the front and rear.
If you’re still looking for holiday reading: Paragraph 67 of the StVZO regulates all questions relating to lighting on bikes. This much can be revealed: for the impending fine for violations, you can get a solid and StVZO-compliant one from specialist retailers .
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Source: Stern
I’m a recent graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism. I started working as a news reporter for 24 Hours World about two years ago, and I’ve been writing articles ever since. My main focus is automotive news, but I’ve also written about politics, lifestyle, and entertainment.