When you hit the road on your motorcycle or bicycle, your safety is paramount. To ensure a safe ride, it is essential to equip yourself properly. Let’s explore the essential elements of mandatory motorcycle equipment, as well as the safety standards to follow. We will also cover mandatory equipment for cyclists, highlighting the importance of visibility and protection. Finally, we will answer frequently asked questions about mandatory equipment, to provide you with all the information you need to ride safely.
The essential elements of mandatory motorcycle equipment
Approved motorcycle helmet: Guaranteeing your safety
Wearing an approved motorcycle helmet is mandatory and crucial to ensure your safety on the road. An approved helmet meets strict safety standards, guaranteeing optimal protection in the event of a fall or collision. The standard in force in France is ECE 22-04 and ECE 22-05. The latter is then supplemented by the letters P in the case of a full-face helmet, PJ for a modular helmet and J for jet helmets. TheTOMO Clothing jet helmet for motorcycle and scooteris ECE 22-05 approved.
Certified Motorcycle Gloves: Protect Your Hands from Injuries
Motorcycle gloves play a vital role in protecting your hands from injury in the event of an accident. They also provide better grip on the motorcycle's controls, improving your control on the road. Gloves have been mandatory on motorcycles since 2016 for both the driver and passenger. They must be approved with the EN 13594 standard, which exists in two levels KP1 and KP2. Level 1 is largely suitable for urban use and level 2 is ideal for more sporty and intensive use. Gloves can be made of anti-abrasion textile or leather like theZOE certified motorcycle gloves
Motorcycle jacket: For optimal protection
Wearing a reinforced motorcycle jacket is essential to protect your body in the event of a fall. It is equipped with protectors on the elbows, shoulders and back, offering maximum protection against impacts and abrasions. It is not mandatory in France but strongly recommended. If you travel by motorcycle, be sure to check the mandatory equipment because for example in Germany, an approved jacket is mandatory. With the desire to put fashion in technical clothing, TOMO Clothing has developed theJIM approved motorcycle jacketThis motorcycle jacket meets EN 17092 certification (level A) and by taking the look of a bomber jacket it offers maximum style on a motorcycle.
Reinforced pants: Prevention of abrasions and burns
Reinforced or specially designed motorcycle pants are recommended to protect your legs from abrasions and burns in the event of a fall. Make sure they fit well and are reinforced in vulnerable areas. There are fabrics such as Armalith, Kevlar or Cordura that offer a very high level of protection. Their abrasion-resistant property helps protect the skin from burns and scratches in the event of a fall.
Reflective vest: Improve your visibility on the road
Wearing a reflective vest is essential to improve your visibility, especially at night or in bad weather. This makes it easier for other road users to spot you, reducing the risk of an accident. ManyTOMO Clothing jacketsare also equipped with reflective inserts in various places. They ensure good visibility while being discreet and integrating perfectly with the look of the garment.
Bicycle safety: mandatory equipment and recommendations
Bike Helmet: Protect Your Head on the Road
Just like for motorcycling, wearing a bicycle helmet is essential to protect your head in the event of a fall. Choose a lightweight and well-fitting helmet that complies with current safety standards. The European standard that ensures good protection for bicycle helmets is EN 1078. There are many styles in the bicycle helmet range, it becomes a fashion accessory in its own right and we enjoy wearing it. Many options are also available on the range from the visor to the integrated lighting to the attachment of the chin strap which can be magnetic for easier attachment.
Yellow vest on motorcycle and bicycle: Importance of visibility for your safety
Wearing a fluorescent yellow vest is recommended for both motorcyclists and cyclists. This improves your visibility to other road users, thus reducing the risk of accidents. The safety vest is mandatory when cycling, outside built-up areas and at night or in low light. In town, it is recommended, but not mandatory. Some brands such as TOMO Clothing dedicated to two-wheeled mobility in built-up areas, offer clothing with integrated reflective inserts. These devices allow you to remain discreet when visibility is good, while considerably increasing visibility when the light is lower and in the headlights of a vehicle.
Other mandatory equipment for cycling: How to meet safety standards?
In addition to the helmet and the yellow vest, other equipment is strictly mandatory for cyclists. This equipment must be fitted to your bike under penalty of a fine. It is directly linked to the safety of the cyclist since it mainly concerns the visibility of the latter. The bike must be equipped with a red reflector at the rear, orange reflectors visible from the side and on the pedals and a white reflector at the front as well as front and rear position lights at night or when the light is low.
Answers to frequently asked questions about mandatory equipment
Is a jacket mandatory on a motorbike?
In many countries, wearing a reinforced motorcycle jacket is mandatory for motorcyclists. It offers additional protection in the event of a fall or collision. An approved motorcycle jacket is not mandatory in France. However, a complete approved motorcycle outfit is mandatory in Belgium or Germany for example.
What equipment is mandatory on a motorcycle?
In France, an approved helmet and gloves are mandatory. The yellow vest must be in a saddlebag or top case of the motorcycle in order to be available in the event of an emergency stop.
Is the yellow vest mandatory for cycling?
In France, wearing a yellow vest is mandatory for cyclists, at night or in bad weather, only outside built-up areas. It is not, but remains strongly recommended in Belgium or Switzerland for example.
Why is a bicycle helmet not mandatory?
In France and in many countries, bicycle helmets are not mandatory for adults. In reality, a minority of countries have implemented this obligation, such as Australia or New Zealand for example. However, helmets are still strongly recommended, in the event of a fall, they reduce the risk of severe head trauma by 58%. In addition, they are mandatory in France for children under 12 years old. Regularly, a bill in France is proposed to try to make bicycle helmets mandatory for everyone. These measures are for the moment always rejected because they are considered counterproductive for the safety of cyclists: fewer cyclists because they hinder the practice of utility cycling, less investment in secure cycle facilities, perception of the dangerousness of cycling.
In conclusion, equipping yourself properly is essential to ensure your safety, whether you are a motorcyclist or a cyclist. Respect the safety standards in force and choose quality equipment for a ride with complete peace of mind.
