In Bordeaux, free bicycle lighting kits to raise awareness against the decline in brightness

More than half of cyclists riding in the city are poorly lit, according to a recent study. While a resurgence of bicycle accidents is observed each year after the switch to winter time, the insurer Groupama has set up a system in Bordeaux to raise awareness among users of two wheels on the subject. It distributed 1,400 light kits to remind people of the importance of bicycle lighting.

“There are more and more accidents involving cyclists and the goal was precisely to be able to ensure that most people could be lit so that they could be seen directly”, explains a Groupama employee. Visibility is a major issue, sometimes neglected by two-wheelers.

“We know that a cyclist who is not lit is only visible at 20 meters, while an illuminated cyclist is visible at 150 meters. This completely changes the situation”, warns the communication manager of Groupama. A simple observation, which is however far from being applied by all users of this means of transport. According to Road Safety, 50% of cyclists are poorly lit, making them all the more vulnerable on the roads.

“Would a person who drives a car be able to take his car at night without turning on his lights”asks Sébastien Rousseau, cycle-school manager at Vélo-Cité, “The answer is clearly no”. This is also valid for two-wheelers which are vehicles from a legal point of view. By bike, equipment is mandatory to be able to circulate, but not only. As a reminder, the regulations require two lights, one at the front and one at the rear. If you forget, the fine can be up to 35 euros.