Good bicycle lighting is essential for road safety and comfort on the road. A recent public survey carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the RAI Association and various other interest groups shows that 82 percent of the respondents always use light in the dark. To make cyclists aware of the importance of good bicycle lighting, the RAI Association is launching the renewed 'Look further!' campaign via the independent RAI Quality Mark Bicycle Lighting (RKF).
Bicycle lighting contributes to road safety in two ways. First of all, it provides better visibility for the cyclist in traffic and secondly, with good lighting, the cyclist can see better himself. The public survey shows that approximately 82 percent of all respondents use bicycle lighting in the dark. The majority, 80 percent of the respondents, use fixed lighting and about 15 percent indicate that they use separate lights. As one gets older, use increases further. According to the RAI Association, this is related to the growth in the number of e-bikes, which are often equipped with high-quality sustainable bicycle lighting.
Quality bicycle lighting important
It is striking that almost a quarter of the respondents indicate that the bicycle lighting does not last longer than a year. Almost half of the respondents (45 percent) therefore also want the quality and lifespan of lighting to improve. This should ensure that even more people take to the streets with properly functioning bicycle lights. Almost 60 percent of the respondents are willing to spend 15 euros or more on bicycle lighting. Visibility, ease of use and longevity are the most important quality requirements.
Added value RKF bicycle lighting
According to the RAI Association, good bicycle lighting with the RKF quality mark can be purchased for 15 euros. Bicycle lighting with this quality mark does not only guarantee good visibility and visibility, but often also has a longer lifespan than much cheaper lighting. For example, cheap lighting on batteries often consumes more energy and is less solidly built. In order to further increase the use of bicycle lighting, 51 percent of those surveyed advocate that manufacturers provide new bicycles with lighting that switches on automatically at dusk. According to the RAI Association, consumers are increasingly able to choose this option when purchasing a new bicycle.
Look further! campaign
'Look further!', with this slogan the RKF is launching a campaign again this year on the initiative of the RAI Association to make cyclists aware of the importance of high-quality bicycle lighting. Approved bicycle lights can be recognized by an RKF sticker. This independent label was established 12 years ago. The campaign is primarily aimed at the parents of children between the ages of 8 and 18. Parents play a vital role in raising road safety awareness among children. Also when using bicycle lighting.
Availability RKF bicycle lights
In order to make RKF-approved bicycle lighting widely accessible, the RAI Association has entered into a partnership with Bol.com this year. About 70 RKF-approved bicycle lamps are now available on the market. Using the buying guide on the campaign website you will find out through a number of questions which lighting suits you best and you can also purchase the lighting directly, according to the Royal RAI Association.
Also read: Many complete the Bicycle City 2022 survey
