Lighting & Co.
See and be seen: only with these tools your bike is roadworthy
Cycling without light is reckless, dangerous and of course prohibited. But the lighting is not everything a bike makes roadworthy.
“Hello, general traffic control!” One or the other should be familiar. As a rule, the police check drivers, checks the papers and takes a look at the warning triangle, warning vests and dressing boxes. But even small and large pedal knights are occasionally stopped to check whether the bicycle is roadworthy. But what do the law enforcement officers actually pay attention to in this case? Does a bike with a permanently installed light have to be equipped? What about reflectors and the bell? If you want to avoid unpleasant situations or even warning money, you should have answers to all of these questions. The star has informed itself at the General German Bicycle Club EV (ADFC). Here are the most important points that a bike can make roadworthy and avoid accidents.
Underestimated accessories: the bell and reflective pedals
It sounds banal, but without the bell, you are not only stuck in many situations, but also not on the move. Important: The bell must be horny, according to the ADFC. Why? A bell replaces the horn in cars and motorcycles and should not be swallowed by traffic noise. In addition, the ringing must also be audible to older people. So that they are particularly light and loud, most of the bicycle bells are made of metal and are attached to the handlebar with a clamp so that they can be easily operated with the thumb. A distinction is made between the (with gear and indoor mallet) and the popular where the mallet is snapped against the metal housing from the outside. Also ball or are allowed. The last scream is currently electrical bicycle bells, which, in addition to their original tasks, also flee long fingers by creating a warning tone of up to 120 decibels as soon as unauthorized persons are causing themselves on the bike.
In order for a bicycle to be equipped according to the road traffic regulations (StVZO), two non -slip and safely screwed pedals belong to the crank. Alternatively, so-called click pedals, which are also popular with athletic mountain biker and gravel fans, are also permitted. Strictly speaking, these sports pedals do not correspond to the StVZO, because it sees Pro Two yellow reflectors, also called reflectors, appear to the front and back.
See and be seen: this lighting is mandatory
Anyone who moves bicycles in road traffic must be clearly visible to everyone else. An important puzzle part to ensure this are so -called cat eyes. Officially they are called And since 2017, bicycles must also be attached during the day. The following applies: A red reflector with the label “Z” is sufficient, which, according to the regulation, may also be integrated in the rear light. The counterpart that needs to be assembled is white and may also be integrated into the headlight. Also the yellow are not a voluntary thing. The StVZO provides two per impeller. Alternatively, white allowed on the tires.
Bikers should be clear that you should never rely on being seen by others. It is also obvious that every bike must be equipped with lighting. According to Section 17 (1) StVO, headlights and taillights “are to be used during dusk, in the dark or if the visibility require it.” Important: A permanently installed lighting system, for example using hub dynamo, is not prescribed. Likewise have to can no longer be carried during the day. This regulation was deleted from the corresponding legal texts in 2017. As soon as the twilight starts, the lamps should be installed.
Lighting StVZO approved? These characters are important
The Federal Motor Transport Authority decides whether bicycle lights and reflectors in Germany are suitable for road traffic. 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 claims. This applies to permanently built -in and removable battery lights. This is missing, you should definitely know, usually the integrated reflector. But that is prescribed. So if you don’t want to upgrade or convert your bike with a hub dynamo, you cannot avoid assembling regulations at the front and back.
If you are still looking for vacation reading: Paragraph 67 The StVZO regulates all questions about lighting on the bike. So much is revealed: For the impending fine in the event of violations, you get a solid and StVZO conformity .
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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.
