Safety Equip­ment for Cyc­ling

Cycling has many benefits and is both health-improving and economical. Cycling is also one of the most fun, eco-friendly, and safest modes of transportation imaginable. When setting out on a bike ride, the goal is always to return home safe and sound, which is why it is important to pay close attention to bicycle safety equipment.

Mandatory bicycle equipment when cycling in traffic:

• Brakes in good condition on front and rear wheels.

• Bell - no other audible alarm signal device may be used.

• Front light - white or yellow (if cycling in the dark or in poor visibility.)

• Red back light (if cycling in the dark or in poor visibility.)

• Three-strand reflectors - red at the back and white at the front.

• Chain guard - to prevent clothing from getting caught in the chain.

• Spoke reflectors in the spokes.

• Reflectors on the pedals.

Visibility

Visibility is of utmost importance in traffic, ensuring that cyclists are in other road users’ field of vision as much as possible. There should be reflectors on the bicycle, both at the front and on the back, on the pedals and in the spokes. It is important to have strong and clear lights, white at the front and red at the back. In Iceland, it is mandatory to have lights on when it is dark, and you must make sure they are adjusted correctly. It is also recommended that cyclists wear reflective vests or clothing in bright colors to increase their visibility, and don't forget the bell to warn other road users.

Brakes and other equipment

Brakes on bicycles are one of their most important safety features, so it is very important that their condition is checked regularly and that they are in order. If the bicycle has V-brakes that clamp around the rim, the brake pads need to be checked. If they are very worn, it is best to replace them as soon as possible. If your bicycle has disc brakes, you need to inspect the brake pads and replace them immediately if they are very worn. Other things that are useful to check are wear on the chain and bearings, gear adjustment, tire pressure, and the tires themselves, which need to be in good condition. It is also useful to use a chain guard to prevent clothing from getting caught in the chain and a lock to prevent the bicycle from being stolen.

Helmets

By law, children under the age of 16 are required to wear a protective helmet when cycling, but it is recommended that all cyclists wear a helmet as it is an important safety device. The helmet must sit properly on the head and be tight enough that it neither falls off nor becomes displaced when put to the test. The straps on the helmet need to be adjusted correctly so that the ear lands in the middle of the V-shape that the straps form. The helmet may not be labelled or painted, as this may reduce its impact resistance and it should not be used in playground equipment. If the helmet needs to be cleaned, this can be done with soap and water, but never with solvents such as thinner or gasoline. Then the helmet must be CE marked. Bicycle helmet manufacturers are required to specify the durability of the helmet in the user instructions, and the production date is stated on a sticker inside the helmet. Often, the reference date is five years from the date of manufacture, but three years from the date of sale.

Alcohol and phone use

Alcohol and cycling do not mix at all and is prohibited by law. The same can be said for using a phone while cycling, it is also prohibited by law, and therefore the bicycle must be stopped before using the phone.