MOTORCYCLE AND BICYCLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

When you hit the road on a motorcycle or bicycle, your safety is paramount. Proper equipment is essential for safe riding. Let's explore the essential elements of mandatory motorcycle equipment, as well as the safety standards to follow. We'll also cover mandatory equipment for cyclists, highlighting the importance of visibility and protection. Finally, we'll answer frequently asked questions about mandatory equipment, providing 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 ensuring 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 for a full-face helmet, PJ for a modular helmet, and J for open-face helmets. The TOMO Clothing open-face helmet for motorcycles and scooters is 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 a better grip on the motorcycle's controls, improving your control on the road. Gloves have been mandatory for both riders and passengers on motorcycles since 2016. They must be approved to the EN 13594 standard, which comes in two levels: KP1 and KP2. Level 1 is largely suited to urban use, while Level 2 is ideal for more sporty and intensive use. Gloves can be made of abrasion-resistant textile or leather, like the ZOE-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 into technical clothing, TOMO Clothing has developed the approved JIM motorcycle jacket . This motorcycle jacket meets the EN 17092 certification (level A) and by taking on 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. Fabrics like Armalith, Kevlar, or Cordura offer a very high level of protection. Their abrasion-resistant properties 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 for improving your visibility, especially at night or in bad weather. This makes it easier for other road users to spot you, reducing the risk of accidents. Many TOMO Clothing jackets are also equipped with reflective inserts in various locations. They ensure good visibility while remaining discreet and blending seamlessly into the overall look of the garment.

Bicycle safety: mandatory equipment and recommendations

Bike Helmet: Protect Your Head on the Road

Just like with a motorcycle, wearing a bicycle helmet is essential to protect your head in the event of a fall. Choose a lightweight, 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, from the visor to the integrated lighting to the chin strap attachment, which can be magnetic for easier attachment.

Yellow vest on motorcycles and bicycles: The 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, reducing the risk of accidents. A safety vest is mandatory when cycling outside built-up areas and at night or in low light. In cities, 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 panels. These devices allow you to remain discreet when visibility is good, while significantly increasing visibility in lower light and in vehicle headlights.

Other mandatory equipment for cycling: How to meet safety standards?

Beyond the helmet and the yellow vest, other equipment is strictly mandatory for cyclists. This equipment must be worn on your bike or you will be fined. It is directly linked to the cyclist's safety since it mainly concerns their visibility. The bike must be equipped with a red reflector on the rear, orange reflectors visible from the side and on the pedals, and a white reflector on the front, as well as front and rear position lights at night or in low light conditions.

Answers to frequently asked questions about mandatory equipment

Is a jacket mandatory on a motorcycle?

In many countries, wearing a reinforced motorcycle jacket is mandatory for motorcyclists. It provides 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 carried in a saddlebag or top case on the motorcycle so that it is available in case of an emergency stop.

Is a yellow vest mandatory for cycling?

In France, wearing a yellow vest is mandatory for cyclists at night or in bad weather, and only outside built-up areas. It is not mandatory, but it remains strongly recommended in Belgium or Switzerland, for example.

Why aren't bicycle helmets mandatory?

In France and many other countries, bicycle helmets are not mandatory for adults. In fact, a minority of countries have implemented this requirement, 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 injury by 58%. Moreover, they are mandatory in France for children under 12 years old. Regularly, a bill is proposed in France to try to make bicycle helmets mandatory for everyone. These measures are always rejected because they are considered counterproductive to cyclist safety: fewer cyclists because they hinder the practice of utility cycling, less investment in safe cycling facilities, and a perception that cycling is dangerous.

In conclusion, properly equipped is essential to ensure your safety, whether you're a motorcyclist or cyclist. Comply with current safety standards and choose quality equipment for a worry-free ride.