Out of concern for your safety - mandatory bicycle equipment

Traffic regulations are established in response to specific risks and situations occurring in the practice of everyday movement. The legislator aims to increase the level of safety of every traffic user.

The legal basis for the requirements in terms of compulsory equipment for unicycles is the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 27 October 2016 on the technical conditions of vehicles and the scope of their necessary equipment. This act is part of the broader Road Traffic Law. You can find the document online, on the Internet Legal Acts System website, and open it on any device with internet access.

As we have mentioned, the composition of mandatory bicycle equipment is primarily motivated by safety considerations. The idea is to ensure the cyclist's visibility while moving and guarantee a minimum chance for his own reaction or warn other traffic users. Accordingly, the law stipulates that it is mandatory to fit a bicycle:

• reflector or position lamp at the front, white or yellow, fixed or flashing;

• a reflector and a position light at the rear, red, steady or flashing;

• at least one working brake;

• a warning signal in the form of a bell or horn with a non-shrill sound.

The regulation indicates that in conditions of good daytime visibility it is not necessary to switch on the lights, having reflectors is sufficient. Fixed light sources are mandatory after dark and in shaded areas (like tunnels).

Minimum safety requirements provide a basic level of safety for the cyclist. However, nothing prevents you from raising the standard of protection. There are many devices and add-ons available on the market to help with this. What can we suggest?

As part of increasing the level of visibility of the cyclist, it is advisable to fit additional reflectors. These are usually attached to the pedals in the form of yellow reflective strips and act as end pieces. Reflective strips mounted on both sides of the wheel rims are even better. When riding after dark and on unlit roads, it may be advisable to wear a reflective vest.

The level of safety in case of a fall will certainly be increased by a bicycle helmet. It is not an obligatory piece of equipment for adults and young cyclists, but it is worth considering its purchase and use during trips. It is particularly important in the case of children who are just starting their adventure with cycling.

However, a bicycle and cyclist's basic "equipment" is their own common sense. Caution on the road and applying the principle of limited trust will help you ride your chosen routes safely and enjoy the views and sporting results.