Down with public transport! Long live the bike!

Crowded trains, little respect for social distancing... Taking public transport during deconfinement? One thing is for sure, you won't be caught again! With the arrival of warmer weather, why not take your bike or scooter to the office? To drive around town safely, these few rules of knowing how to drive will be essential.

We equip ourselves to ride safely

Whether you ride a bike or a scooter, your safety and comfort are at the center of your concerns. Even if you ride occasionally, you need minimal gear:

• Helmet:wearing this is only mandatory for electric bikes that can travel up to 45 km/h. According to European standard EN 1078, the helmet must fit snugly to the rider's head (53-60 cm), perfectly cover the different parts of the skull (forehead, temples, sides, back and top) , be equipped with very resistant shock absorbers.
• A comfortable outfit.
• A yellow vest for riding at night outside built-up areas.
• Reflectors or reflectors that must be placed on the front and rear of the bike.
• An outfit in case of rain (cape, poncho, glasses).
• A bell.
• Bike lighting.
• An anti-theft device.
• A basket or backpack.
• A hand pump and an inner tube and patches in case of a puncture.

Remember to choose an appropriate outfit according to the weather. In winter, for example, you can wear gloves and a neck warmer for more comfort.

Before getting on your bike or riding your scooter, take the time to check certain points. A few minutes are enough to ensure optimal security:

• Check that the brakes are properly adjusted and that the pads are in good condition.
• Make sure the chain is regularly lubricated.
• Make sure the tires are properly inflated.
• Have your bike serviced once a year. You can do this yourself by following each step. Or you can have your bike serviced at a dealer.

We make sure we have good insurance

To ride a bike or scooter safely, you must at least be covered by civil liability insurance for damages you could cause to others in the event of an accident. Do not hesitate to take out a guarantee to protect yourself against possible bodily injury. MaPrévoyance Accident covers you in the event of total or partial permanent incapacity resulting from an accident while traveling[1].

Adopt the right attitude to be protected

Riding a bicycle or scooter in the city is dangerous. To limit the risk of an accident as much as possible, there are a few easy steps to take that can save your life:

• Favor the cycle lanes that are reserved for you.
• Do not listen to music to be on the lookout for possible dangers.
• Announce direction changes with gestures.
• Do not pass on the right.
• Be aware of other vehicles (cars, buses, trains, scooters, trams, etc.).

Scooter or bike:where should I ride?

To drive safely, in town or in the countryside, you must be aware of the legislation. Note that a bicycle (electric or not) is considered a vehicle. It must therefore imperatively ride on the roadway or on the cycle path, if there is one. It is forbidden to ride on the sidewalks, unless you are walking while holding the bike in your hand. If you commit an offense with a bicycle (non-compliance with parking rules, use of a telephone, etc.), you will be liable for a fine.

If you ride an electric scooter, you must use the cycle paths, if there are any. Otherwise, you can drive on roads with a maximum permitted speed of 50 km/h. Traffic on sidewalks is prohibited for electric scooters. Note that from the 1 ^st July 2020, your machine must be equipped with a braking system, a buzzer, lights (front and rear) and rear and side reflective devices. The driver of a motorless scooter is treated as a pedestrian. It can therefore drive on sidewalks. He must then respect the traffic lights reserved for pedestrians, use the protected passages when there are less than 50 meters away, and drive at a moderate pace (6 km/h).

The apps you need to know to make your trips easier

Whether you are an occasional or regular cyclist, some apps can be very useful for your future trips:

• Geovelo calculates personalized routes by adapting to your level, your speed or the chosen difficulty.
• SunRisk gives you the UV index by region, with geolocation and a three-day forecast. You will receive high index alerts and tips on how to protect yourself.
• Strava allows you to get a detailed follow-up of your sports activities thanks to the maps and multiple features. You can create your own routes and analyze your rides.
• MapMyRide motivates you to achieve your goals. This app provides you with customizable training plans and tailored coaching advice.
• File allows you to find scooters and/or bikes for rent around you, and start your race in just a few clicks.

Ready to change your habits to ride a scooter or bike? Before setting off, make sure that everything is done to ride safely, even for very short journeys.

[1] Mutuelle Mieux-Etre will only be called upon to pay all or part of the disability capital if the insured person has a disability rate equal to or greater than 25%.