Warning to car bicycle riders: forgetfulness can carry a considerable fine

Andrius Žiukelis, the head of the Experience Department of the insurance company BTA, says that any additional device on the exterior of the car more or less changes the driving and driving characteristics of the car, therefore it is necessary to pay attention to it.

“On the roads, we often see cars ‘supplemented’ with luggage racks or bicycles, but not all drivers are holding them correctly, it happens that they drive at too high a speed. It is important to note that, in a way, bicycle racks or the luggage carriers work the car when it is stopped and in a completely different way, when driving at high speeds, “says A. Žiukelis.

There are also rules for holding bicycles.

The maximum speed at which bicycles can be transported is generally specified in the instructions for the bicycle holder and is usually 110 or 130 km / h. It also depends on the number of bicycles transported. The maximum permitted speed should not be exceeded and the actual speed should be chosen on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the driver’s experience, weather conditions and road surface.

Center of gravity is another aspect to consider when placing bikes before a trip. Closer to the car, the heaviest and largest are needed, and the lightest and smallest, such as children’s bicycles, are needed farthest.

Bicycles should also be loaded together, directed in different directions so that the center of gravity of the load is as close as possible to the center of the car.

“All accessories should be removed from bicycles: bags, waterers, child seats and the like. This will not only reduce load on the bike rack and car hook and wind resistance, but will also use fuel more efficiently ”, Advises A. Žiukelis.

Bicycles attached to the vehicle must not obstruct visibility or cover headlights and number plate. If the bicycles still cover the number, you must request a special plate with the registration number and the bicycle sign at the Regitra. The table can be attached to the transported bicycle or its stand. It is true that these tables are only valid in the territory of Lithuania: when you go abroad, you will need to take out the original number of the car and attach it to the bike mount.

According to A. Žiukelis, there are cases when the car number is simply written on a cardboard plate and affixed to the back, but driving with that number is illegal.

Both weight and height are important

The main rule to remember when transporting items on the roof of the car is to place only the lightest luggage here and not to exceed the maximum load on the roof and on the racks. The maximum weight allowed should be specified in the instructions for the boot, so it is not recommended to carry it by hand in this recommendation. Some automakers have limited the weight of the load on the roof, which drivers should check before traveling and not exceed it.

“Any additional weight on the roof changes the car’s center of gravity and its driving characteristics. Excess weight can also lead to dangerous situations if the boot is broken, cracked, or detached from the car. Imagine what would happen if a trunk or objects separated from the roof collided with a car behind it at high speed, “warns the insurance expert.

Some roof bars that mount to the roof of a car are not tightly closed and can become a target for thieves, so you should not leave valuables in such trunks.

Particular attention should be paid to the safety of bicycles carried on the roof of the car. “It is not enough to just ride the bikes and forget about them throughout the trip, especially if the trip is longer. You need to stop regularly while driving and check that the bindings are not loose. The same applies to transporting bikes with the brackets to carry them in the back of the car. An improperly mounted bicycle can fall on the road, then the bicycle itself will be damaged and can also cause a traffic accident, “says A. Žiukelis. He also points out that roof-mounted bicycles on winding roads they reduce the stability of the car Driving a car can change especially on a windy day: the car is more difficult to drive, it becomes like a launch.

Also, don’t forget the roof-mounted bikes when you enter limited height places such as garages, underground parking lots, or when riding under small bridges and low trees. “The most important thing on that trip is attention, which will help preserve bicycles and good humor,” says A. Žiukelis.