When venturing into the city by bike, it’s crucial to ensure your safety and the safety of other road users. Therefore, it is essential to know and comply with the mandatory elements to ride a bike (or electric bicycle, if this is your case). In this article, we will focus on the 4 essential elements that you should always keep in mind: the bell, brakes, front and rear lights, and reflectors.
Index
We will start this list of mandatory elements to ride a bike in urban environments (in Spain) with one of the most striking and that people, in general, do not know that it is mandatory and you can be fined for not wearing it.
1. Doorbell: the voice of your bike
Yes, that’s right. The bell is mandatory, as strange or crazy as it may seem, to cycle in Spanish cities
The bell is more than an accessory that gives a melancholic and peculiar sound to our bike; It’s your way of communicating on the move. In urban environments with traffic and pedestrians, it is essential to have a doorbell to alert other users of your presence and let them know of your presence.
Of course, use it according to real needs. In other words, if you are on a bike lane on the pavement, pedestrians always have priority and you must adjust your speed. Another example, if there is a pedestrian crossing the A bike lane or bike lane, the pedestrian has priority and does not deserve a bell from the cyclist.
Riding without a bell on your bike could result in a fine of up to 80 euros
MINIMALIST BICYCLE BELL
BICYCLE BELL
What type of bicycle bell to choose?
According to the General Vehicle Regulations, Article 22 specifies that “cycles and bicycles must have a bell, prohibiting the use of any other acoustic device other than that”.
The doorbell must be mechanical and electronic horns or doorbells are not allowed. Yes, we were amazed by this.
If you are one of those who have just found out and need a doorbell now, stop by our online store in the Accessories section and you will be able to choose a minimalist and stylish doorbell.
Did you know that the doorbell was so important for driving?
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2. Brake system
Having a good braking system is crucial to ensuring your safety and that of others on the road. In Spain, it is mandatory for bicycles and e-bikes to be equipped with brakes on both the front and rear wheels. And fixies? Well… following these DGT regulations they would not be able to circulate, since it does not have a braking system on both wheels.
Remember to check the brakes periodically and have them properly maintained
- Regular check-up: Inspect your brakes at least once a month to make sure they’re working properly.
- Replacement of pads: Change the brake pads when they are worn to maintain good braking capacity.
- Cable tightening: Make sure the brake cables are tightly tensioned and in good condition to avoid failure of the braking system.
3. Front and rear lights
Visibility is a critical factor for cyclist safety in urban environments, where traffic can be heavy and lighting conditions vary. The front and rear lights are mandatory elements for cycling and electric cycling, as they not only allow you to see, but also to be seen by other road users.
In Spain, the use of front and rear lights is mandatory in low visibility conditions, such as at dusk, dawn, in tunnels and on cloudy or rainy days. Not wearing lights can result in fines and, more importantly, an increased risk of accidents.
Importance of Headlights: White and Powerful
The front light should be white and powerful enough to light the way ahead of you. This is essential to avoid obstacles and ensure that other drivers and pedestrians see you coming, especially in low-light conditions or reduced visibility.
Rear lights: red and high visibility
The taillight should be red and visible from a good distance so that vehicles approaching from behind can see you well in advance. This is vital to avoid collisions, as most bicyclist accidents in urban areas involve vehicles that did not see them in time. Make sure that the lights you select are of quality and certified.
Key Features of a Good Taillight
Visibility: uA rear light must be visible from at least 500 meters away. Make sure it’s bright enough to stand out from other vehicle lights and streetlights.
Viewing angle: Some taillights offer a wide viewing angle, which means they are visible even from the sides. This is especially useful at junctions and in heavy traffic situations.
Battery: Make sure your taillight is powered by a good battery to avoid running out of light midway.
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What type of rear light does the Ossby GEO folding electric bike incorporate?
The Ossby GEO is equipped with a red LED rear light with brake sensor as standard, which means that this light not only improves your visibility, but also alerts drivers behind you when you slow down. The Ossby’s rear light allows you to enjoy unprecedented peace of mind thanks to a large 220º viewing angle, ensuring that you are seen from almost any angle.
This rear light is not only an essential safety device, but also complies with the strictest international regulations. With certifications including the StVZO of German regulations, ISO6742-1, ECE, CE and ROHS, you can trust that you are using a product that meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
4 Catadiopters: be visible at all times
We complete the list of mandatory elements for cycling with reflectors, also known as reflectives. These are essential components to ensure cyclists’ visibility in low-light conditions. Unlike active lights, reflectors do not emit their own light, but reflect light from other sources, such as vehicle headlights. This type of passive visibility is crucial for safety, especially in situations where active lights may fail. In the case of Spain, the rule says that you must wear a red reflector in the rear area.
Types of reflectors
We complete the list of mandatory elements for cycling with reflectors, also known as reflectives. These are essential components to ensure cyclists’ visibility in low-light conditions. Unlike active lights, reflectors do not emit their own light, but reflect light from other sources, such as vehicle headlights. This type of passive visibility is crucial for safety, especially in situations where active lights may fail. In the case of Spain, the rule says that you must wear a red reflector in the rear area.
Types of reflectors:
- Reflectors on the pedals:
These reflectors ensure that the rider’s movements are visible, as the pedals are in constant motion.
They are mounted on the front and back of each pedal.
- Reflectors on the wheels:
They increase side visibility. When the bike is in motion, these reflectors create a visual effect that catches the attention of the drivers. They are usually placed on the spokes of the wheels, visible from both sides.
In the case of our Ossby GEO folding ebike, the wheels have a reflective stripe on the cover, to add more safety at junctions.
- Reflectors on the body of the bicycle:
They provide additional visibility from the front and rear of the bike. The butt, as mentioned before, is mandatory. They are mounted on the rear of the saddle or on the front fork.
Elements that are not mandatory to ride an electric bike or traditional bike, but are recommended:
The helmet
Helmets are not mandatory for adults when riding in the city, but at Ossby we always recommend and advise its use. A good helmet can be the difference between a minor accident and a serious injury.
- Head protection: The helmet protects one of the most vulnerable parts of the body, reducing the risk of head trauma in the event of a fall or collision.
- Visibility: Many helmets come equipped with built-in lights or reflective surfaces that improve your visibility in low-light conditions
From Ossby we always recommend and advise the use of a helmet, even if it is not mandatory
Reflective vest
A reflective vest is also not mandatory in the city, but it is highly recommended, especially during hours of low visibility or in adverse weather conditions.
To summarize, what is mandatory to ride an electric bike or a normal bike?
By making sure you always carry a bell, reflectors, and proper front and rear lights on your bike or electric bike and a brake system in good condition for both wheels, you’ll be complying with the mandatory elements for cycling around town. Remember that your safety and the safety of others are the responsibility of all of us who share the road. Enjoy your urban commutes safely and responsibly!
Frequently asked questions about the mandatory elements to cycle around the city
Is it mandatory to carry a bell on the bicycle?
Yes, according to the General Vehicle Regulations and the DGT in Spain, it is mandatory for bicycles to be equipped with an audible bell.
What are the mandatory elements to go by electric bike or bike in Spain?
The mandatory elements for cycling in Spain include bell, front and rear lights, reflectors and a brake system for both wheels. These elements are essential to guarantee the safety of the cyclist and other road users.
Can I use another type of acoustic device instead of a doorbell?
No, the General Vehicle Regulations of Spain specify that only the use of mechanical bells on bicycles is allowed, and the use of other acoustic devices is prohibited.
Why is it important to have front and rear lights on the bike?
Front and rear lights are essential to increase the cyclist’s visibility, especially in low-light conditions, such as at night or on cloudy days.
What is the difference between reflectors and lights?
Reflectors, also known as reflectives, reflect light from other sources, such as vehicle headlights, while lights emit their own light. Both are important for the safety of the cyclist in different visibility situations.
Is the use of a helmet mandatory when cycling in the city in Spain?
No, the use of a helmet is not mandatory for adults when cycling in the city in Spain. However, at Ossby we always recommend and advise its use as an additional safety measure.
Is it necessary to wear a reflective vest when cycling in the city?
Although not required by law, wearing a reflective vest significantly increases the cyclist’s visibility, especially at night or in low visibility conditions. It is highly recommended to improve safety on the road.
