Distraction, blind spots and difficult conditions are just some of the many reasons to make sure you’re visible. Especially when walking, biking or riding a kick scooter, since you’re only taking up a little bit of space on the road and you’re sharing it with something much bigger than you: Brussels traffic…
Here are 5 tips from Floya:
1. Be seen
As the days get darker, try swapping your classic black coat for something lighter in color. It’ll help you stand out a bit more on those early evenings or late mornings.
Riding a scooter or bike? In addition to your helmet, wear fluorescent and reflective (or luminous) clothing or accessories: enough to go from 20 m visibility to 150 m visibility!
2. Check your equipment
Whether it’s your own bike or scooter or a shared one, make sure that it is fitted with lights, a bell and reflective devices
On a scooter, you need a white or yellow light on the front, a red light on the back and reflective strips on each side: you can also wear these on your person.
3. Beware of blind spots
Stay out of blind spots: you cannot be seen in them, even if you have equipment worthy of the most kitsch Christmas decorations. Also be aware that they are a lot bigger on buses and trucks.
4. Show where you go
Clearly signal any changes in direction by extending your arm (on a bike) or raising your leg (on a scooter): there are also special indicators.
5. Double-check
Make eye contact with the person behind the wheel before crossing a street, overtaking a car or making your move: this ensures that they have seen you
And because we’re in BX, here are two final useful reminders about the Highway Code:
- a bus indicating to leave its stop has right of way: if you’re riding behind it, stop for a few seconds to let it pull out
- trams always have priority, even over pedestrians: let them pass
Don’t have Floya yet? Download the app to experience your mobility in BX mode