Get on your bike and get out into the fresh air - it's good for you. The right accessories are important - especially when it comes to safety. Helmet, lock, lighting: what is inexpensive, useful and of high quality? ► More information about the show on our homepage: http://www.swr.de/marktcheck ► and on our Facebook page / marktcheck ► You can subscribe to our channel here: https://bit.ly/34ebysh ► You can find out more about our eco-checkers on Instagram: / oekochecker ► Comments are welcome - but please observe netiquette: http://www.swr.de/netiquette BICYCLE LOCK TEST: WHICH BICYCLE LOCK IS REALLY SECURE? Around 800 times a day a lock is broken and a bicycle stolen in Germany. So which locks are safe? Many bicycle lock manufacturers assign security levels as a guide. But these levels are not comparable because every manufacturer has its own system of criteria. Therefore, you should also pay attention to independent seals, such as Stiftung Warentest or VdS. Marktcheck carries out the everyday test and checks a folding lock, a combination lock with a chain and a lock made of textile fibers. The locks work equally well on all three models. An expert tells us which lock is really secure. The rule is: almost every lock can be cracked, only the effort required varies depending on the type. A combination lock has its weak points on the chain links and should have at least a four or five-digit number code. With locks with a key, you should make sure that the key does not have a bit to avoid lock picking. Most thieves do not crack the lock, but cut through it completely. The test shows that all locks are destructible. The professional still recommends all three for everyday use, as you need strength and the right tools to crack them. This means that opportunistic thieves at least have no chance. Conclusion: You can only protect your bike to a limited extent. No lock is unbreakable. Rule of thumb: A lock should cost ten percent of the value of the bike. Often, however, only bicycle parts are stolen, so special screws should be used. Other tips: Take a photo of the bike after parking it Keep a bicycle passport Always lock the bike to an object with a high point Combine several types of lock SAFETY TIPS FOR ROAD TRAFFIC Many cyclists underestimate how little they are visible to other road users, especially in the city. In 2019, 445 cyclists were killed on German roads. The State Criminal Police Office shows how large the blind spot on a truck really is. Many older semi-trailers have few exterior mirrors, which increases the risk of missing other road users. Hendrike Brenninkmeyer changes perspective and tests the blind spot from the driver's cab - it is larger than expected. In the test, two cars and a cyclist were swallowed up. The best protection is the cyclist for himself by being aware of how dangerous it is to ride next to a truck. Cyclists should therefore always keep their distance and keep in mind that they cannot be seen and therefore sometimes give up their right of way in traffic. VISIBILITY CHECK: THE PERFECT LIGHTING Permanently installed dynamo lighting is the most practical. Removable lamps are cheaper, but not all of them are permitted. For example, a flashing light is not permitted. According to the road traffic regulations, 10 lx is the absolute minimum reflector. We recommend 20 lx for anticipatory driving. Whether a lamp is suitable for road traffic can be seen on the underside: there must be a K number with a wavy line. Even with very good lighting, the risk of being overlooked is still high. Reflective clothing should therefore be worn when riding in the dark. WHAT IS IMPORTANT ABOUT A HELMET? Riding a bike without a helmet is negligent. Nevertheless, the majority of cyclists still do not wear a helmet. They usually stay at home for convenience, aesthetic reasons or problems with storage. Cyclists usually fall sideways on their heads in an accident. This causes the head to rotate. Without a helmet you can withstand 10 km/h and with a helmet 20 km/h. Alternatives are the folding and airbag helmet. The airbag helmet in particular performed very well in the test. Tips when buying a helmet: Pay attention to the test mark The helmet should not be more than 5 years old The helmet must fit well and be adjustable Authors: Sebastian Schiller and Christine Kämper Image source: Colourbox #Bicycle accessories #Safety #Check