Whether for work, school or private - more and more people use the bicycle for short to medium length routes, even in winter. Students in the District have now been taken in light of the police under the microscope. 111 officers checked more than one month the bikes of students. The result was very positive. Nearly 90 percent of all two-wheelers were according to the police in order. Especially from the new legislation, which came into force on August 1 this year, many students have made use: Even cordless and battery-powered lights are approved for road traffic since the summer. Accordingly, significantly more wheels were better lit than in recent years, it said in a statement to the police.
The bicycles of the students were checked before the 30 schools involved in Errata, Hilden, Lagerfeld and Manheim in the morning hours between 7.30 and 8.30 clocks. Only twelve percent of the inspected wheels there had been complaints. "That's 128 less than last year", concluded the county police. For the light-sinner, there was a defect map, which must be redeemed within one week by corresponding retrofitting. "Whoever does not receive the card defects on time, gets us visit," says Thomas ceiling, Head of Directorate of Transport. How dangerous for cyclists of road, showing the number of accidents. "341 cyclists crashed there in 2012," said police spokeswoman Nicole Hermann. A woman died. From January 2013 were 330 cyclists in reflective clothing until an accident October in accidents, again a woman died.
But for a safe trip especially in winter does not only functioning light. Marc Michal sky from Erkrather bike shop cycling Michal sky recommends an inspection as in the car. "Anyone who has a hydraulic disc brake should refrigeration solid oil use," says the expert. For a non-free ride on snow and ice, there are winter tires, some with built-in spikes for an even better grip on the road. "From mountain to Holland wheel all models can be upgraded," says Marc Michal sky. Important are the reflectors, for which there are legal requirements. In addition to front and rear reflectors, a bicycle per pedals must have two cats’ eyes. "Front and rear also in the spokes should be mounted per two reflectors or reflective strips on the tire itself," said Michal sky. Who uses a battery-powered lamp, must pay attention to the so-called K-identifier. "This is the prescribed DIN standard." A flashlight, which is moored with some tape on the handlebars, is, by falling at a police check. In the clothing of bicycle specialist also has a tip: In addition to the recommendable helmet there are special thermal clothing that keeps you warm even in freezing temperatures.