Be Seen or Pay the Bill: The Nuuuuuut Guide to Bike Safety

At night, all cyclists are gray. While walking my dog early this morning, I encountered yet another one too many road ninjas, those invisible cyclists who speed by without lights. It's a good opportunity to take stock of safety equipment: what the law requires, what common sense dictates, and how not to look like a garbage bag.

What the law requires (and what common sense approves)

French law is quite clear about the basic requirements for mandatory equipment. Ignoring them risks a fine, but above all, it jeopardizes your own safety.

1. Lighting and reflectors: the basis for existing at night

• The law: As soon as visibility decreases (at night, in fog, etc.), your bike must be equipped with a yellow or white front light and a red rear light . You must also have reflectors (retro-reflective devices): a red one at the rear, a white one at the front, orange ones on the sides (wheels) and on the pedals.
• The real benefit: Good lighting isn't just for seeing, it's for being seen. A flashing rear light catches the eye of a driver from more than 150 meters away. It's your best life insurance. Reflectors, on the other hand, make you visible from the side, especially at intersections.
• The "disadvantage": Dynamo lights can slow you down a bit, and battery-powered lights... you have to remember to recharge them. It's a minor hassle compared to the risk of not being seen.

2. Brakes and the bell: interacting with the world

• The law: Your bike must have two brakes, one front and one rear, in working order. A bell (or other audible warning device) audible from 50 meters away is also mandatory.
• The real benefit: It sounds obvious, but properly adjusted brakes cut your stopping distance in half. The doorbell, on the other hand, is your only "voice" in the urban chaos, signaling your presence to pedestrians and other road users.
• The "disadvantage": None. A bicycle without brakes or a bell is not a vehicle; it is a public hazard.

3. The yellow vest: the debate between visibility and style

• The law: Wearing a "certified high-visibility vest" is mandatory for all cyclists (and their passenger) riding "outside built-up areas", at night, or when visibility is insufficient.
• The Real Benefit: Let's be honest, it's effective. The fluorescent yellow and reflective stripes make you visible from far away, from all angles.
• The "downside": It's ugly. We agree. It makes you feel like you're on a construction site. It's the accessory that kills any cyclist's style.
• The Nuuuuuut alternative: The law requires a "certified" vest. But in the city, where it's not mandatory, there's nothing stopping you from being smarter. Many brands (like Proviz, for example) offer fully reflective jackets, backpacks, or bag covers that are both stylish and incredibly effective at night. It's an investment, but it's the best of both worlds.

What the law forgets (but your mechanic is begging you to adopt)

Some equipment is not mandatory for adults, but it is just common sense.

The helmet: protecting the only non-replaceable part

The law only mandates it for children under 12. For adults, it's a choice. But it's a choice that can make the difference between a big scare and a tragedy. The "it's hair-raising" or "it's useless at low speed" arguments don't hold water when faced with a nasty fall on a sidewalk or an opening door. Today, there are stylish, ventilated, and comfortable helmets. It's your body. Protect it.

Quality tires: your only contact with reality

This is the most underestimated safety feature. Good quality, properly inflated, and unworn tires make all the difference: your wet grip, your braking distance, your puncture resistance... They're often more important than a new derailleur.

(Crazy) Conclusion

Being well-equipped isn't about giving in to fear or absurd rules. It's about giving in to pragmatic action. It's about giving yourself the means to continue enjoying the freedom of cycling, for a long time and with complete peace of mind. Don't hit the road with an invisible bike.