If certain errors made by our fellow cyclists only horrify us, others are also dangerous, or even prohibited. And that's where the whole problem lies.
You don't necessarily need to have an eye as sharp as Mathieu van der Poel's calves to spot these little details on cycle paths. Mechanical negligence, problematic behavior, misuse… an anthology of all these moments that make cyclists cringe because of cyclists. And their solutions.
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The helmet is incorrectly adjusted or not the right size
A helmet that is too big or one that is too small will not protect your head in the event of a fall. Once tightened, the helmet should not move. Placed on your head, it should not compress it either. To buy a helmet, go to a bicycle store or measure your head circumference. And tie italways.
But there is worse. We think that this is not possible, and yet: the scourge of the backwards helmet continues to rage.
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Children without helmets
The helmet is obligatory for children under 12 years oldwhether they are passengers or driving their bike (article R. 431-1-3 of the Highway Code).
Poorly attached bicycles and e-bikes
You never attach your bike only with the front wheel or the rear wheel. Always attach the frame to a fixed point like a post – not a post! – then your wheels using a cable if they do not have a wheel lock. Something else : also choose a special anti-theft device for your e-bike.
We grant you, the old infrastructures – the hoops fixed to the wall to slide the front wheel – are often poorly designed, unless you have a lock with a good length. And that, too, annoys us.
Also check that the hoop is well sealed in the ground. We've seen bikes before securely attached to temporary posts, which just had to be raised a few centimeters to bring out the lock.
Improper use of bicycle gears and electric assistance in VAE
Speeds exist, it's not for nothing! So use them and learn how to change them, your bike will be even more durable.
To keep it very simple: use lower gears (larger cogs on the cassette) for uphill climbs and higher gears (smaller cogs on the cassette) on flat ground or downhill.
Good gear management optimizes and improves your pedaling comfort; the feeling is more natural, flexible, and you pedal more efficiently. On an eBike, you also preserve battery life and avoid premature wear of transmission parts.
Cyclists riding on the sidewalk
It is forbidden by the Highway Code, except for children under eight years old, provided they don't think they're Fast & Furious pilots. You normally have a “Walk” mode on your bike if you are too lazy to push it without assistance.
Cyclists who do not respect pedestrian crossings
A cyclist on his bicycle is considered a driver. Article R415-11 of the Highway Code is clear on this subject: “Every driver is required to give way, if necessary by stopping, to a pedestrian regularly crossing a roadway or clearly indicating the intention to do so or circulating in an area pedestrian or meeting area. »
So, stopping to let pedestrians cross on a zebra crossing is not playing the grand lord, it is at least good citizenship but above all it is respecting the law. The fine for non-compliance with the right of way for pedestrians is €135.
Finally, even if a sign authorizes you to turn or continue on your way despite the red light, you must always give way to pedestrians who are crossing. Remember, they have priority.
Cyclists who overtake from the right on the cycle path
It is unbearable and extremely dangerous. In France, you overtake on the left. Overtaking to the right is pure and simple piracy.
We also mention their friends who systematically drive on the left, in the center or several side by side: stay on the right, in line!
Crusty transmissions
We hear these almost before we see them. It creaks everywhere, it squeaks, we feel the pain. They are all rusty and their loose chain resembles a washing line.
The solution ? Extend the life of your transmission with timely maintenance. Brushing + cleaning + drying + oiling = smooth sailing
Do not forget that the chain is a wearing part that can be changed, just like the cassette.
Tires as dry and smooth as the salt desert
For your electric bike, we recommend that you buy VAE tires. They are more resistant.
If the texture of your tires is close to that of a potato chip, it's high time to change them. The same if the crampons are filed down and they are no longer distinguishable.
Tires generally have a wear indicator located on the side of the tread; its position varies depending on the brand.
Underinflated tires
Tires deflate over time, whether the bike is used or not, so check their pressure before hitting the road. It also allows us to see a slow puncture which did its job during the night.
Manufacturers indicate the number of bars on the sidewall of the tires. To ride at the right pressure, we recommend investing in a floor pump equipped with a pressure gauge. It's much more practical and precise (and less tiring) than a classic pump.
In addition to causing premature wear and increasing the risk of punctures, it is not pleasant and requires more effort. And then, they make us sad, these tires which crush on contact with the road.
The bicycle phone
It's no, and then it's forbidden. The only phone allowed is the one attached to the handlebars, used as a bike GPS.
Bike lights that dazzle
At the front, the use of flashing lights is prohibited in France. This is confusing because commercially available lights often have a flash mode.
Even permitted at the rear, flashing flashing lights tend to bother cyclists and motoristsespecially when they are poorly adjusted (incline, intensity).
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