 6Likes
 |
|
18 May 2013
|
 |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Martinborough New Zealand
Posts: 16
|
|
|
Reflection on French Stickers
It's a good idea. I want helmets with electroluminescent paint, or recessed LEDs.
I want a clear helmet and will put stickers on my head.
No seriously, I'm a tourer, and reflective tape on your panniers makes a huge difference. I'd happily tape my bright yellow XR1100.
|
18 May 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by venture
Pongo,
That was a hard sell and an unpopular post for any number of reasons. Thanks for taking the time and going to the trouble. I hate the thought of all the crap that's come to be over the years and sometimes it's very hard to take it seriously. Most of the time it's ignore-able .. but the fines are seemingly more frequent now. In particular on coastal sides and generally closer to uk portal regions. 135 euros is better in my pocket than theirs' so cheers for the tip.
Moss
|
Yep, I've just bought my reflective sticker material from ebay.
It cost a lot less than 135 euros.
I would expect Le Flic to be active on this issue around the channel ports and nearby routes if only because it is an easy violation to identify; "caught red-handed" so to speak.
I have a strip of the stuff, so any left over can go on my 4x4, or my panniers.
__________________
Dave
|
19 May 2013
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 120
|
|
|
Thanks Pongo for the updates, I appreciate it but don't like the thought of some of what they say.
Can you confirm my reading of the new regulations.
The helmet must have 4 retro reflective stickers placed one at front, one at back, and one on each side of the helmet.
The retro reflective stickers can each be a circle of no less than 40mm in diameter or alternatively, a rectangular area of no less than 125 square mm, with one dimension of the rectangle being at least 20mm in length. The 40mm diameter patch works out to the same area as the rectangular of 125 square millimetres.
They then go on to stipulate that the retro reflective stickers, once glued on, can not be removed without without damage to the helmet, rendering said helmet no longer approved and destined for the bin.
They also say the retro reflective stickers must 'meet' various approved tests for photometric and colourimetric effectiveness. What are the specifics for these test and how would one know from buying from ebay whether they meet the approved tests of the French authorities, would they know themselves is another question.
What I also wish to have some clarity about is where does the 180 square millimetre measurement come into the picture?
I find it hard to believe that they stipulate that the reflective patches must be so glued on, that if one were to try to remove them, one would damage one's helmet, that is stupidity to say the least. What happens for visiting motorcyclists, for example you live in Italy and you like to make a tour to the French Alps for a day or two before returning back home to Italy where there is no need for such reflective patches. How about any of the neighbouring countries where such a rule is non-existent, in terms of non-removable reflective stickers. Is there any scope for visitors then to simply have removable patches?
Can anyone post any diagrams or suggestions to ebay links for approved retro reflective stickers.
_____
Paul
__________________
I have learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it.
|
19 May 2013
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: stoke on trent
Posts: 28
|
|
Liberte, egalite, refectivite! 
|
19 May 2013
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
|
Paul:
I suspect that the statement "the retro reflective stickers, once glued on, can not be removed without without damage to the helmet" is a poorly worded attempt to disqualify stickers that can be easily removed and replaced, for example, a sticker that clings to the helmet by static cling or temporary adhesive.
In other words, my guess is that as long as it appears that the stickers have a reasonably permanent adhesive, and do not appear to be designed to be repeatedly removed and replaced, the intent of the regulation will be met.
Michael
|
19 May 2013
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Home in Essex GB
Posts: 564
|
|
|
ok I found a soloution
Just a thought? Does this mean daylight hours too? Or just effectively a requirement for night time. ( dark or bad vis. )
Just ride through France during daylight hours! 
That will save us all forking out on 99p worth of stickers 
|
20 May 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by g6snl
Just a thought? Does this mean daylight hours too? Or just effectively a requirement for night time. ( dark or bad vis. )
Just ride through France during daylight hours!
That will save us all forking out on 99p worth of stickers |
If it does, then it hardly meets the requirement to be stuck on such that the helmet is destroyed by trying to remove them; so at dusk the stickers are applied and removed again at dawn, each and every day (which reminds me of all that nonsense about tinted visors and their use during hours of darkness).
My standard of French could not explain that to the bobbies.
By the way, the stuff I bought is 25 mm (1 inch) wide and the metric measurements given in the earlier post (thanks for them) equate to 1 inch x 2 inch in good old imperial sizes.
I bought a metre length of it for just over £1.
__________________
Dave
|
20 May 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 120
|
|
Walkabout wrote:
Quote:
|
I bought a metre length of it for just over £1.
|
Care to share at all what you got then and where, rather than what it cost?
Or does anyone have any guideline for what is approved, and like I asked, any links. Have 5 weeks before I land back in France, I don't want a fine.
Like what Sala5000 says, I might program an Arduino to flash a bunch of LEDs and look a right twit. The reflective patch is going to be twit feature enough.
_____
Paul
__________________
I have learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it.
|
20 May 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by rockwallaby
Walkabout wrote:
Care to share at all what you got then and where, rather than what it cost?
Or does anyone have any guideline for what is approved, and like I asked, any links. Have 5 weeks before I land back in France, I don't want a fine.
Like what Sala5000 says, I might program an Arduino to flash a bunch of LEDs and look a right twit. The reflective patch is going to be twit feature enough.
_____
Paul
|
There is shed loads of it on UK ebay; I thought I had said that, but anyway that's where it is. It is even being advertised for motorcycling helmets - obviously, the sales folks are aware of this French law!
I got more or less the first bit of reflective stuff I saw advertised; for me it is all bluff - so long as it looks right Le Flic will go after someone else!!
I shined a flashlight at it in semi-dark and it does reflect pretty well.
__________________
Dave
|
20 May 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 120
|
|
Walkabout wrote:
Quote:
|
There is shed loads of it on UK ebay; I thought I had said that, but anyway that's where it is.
|
Great, thanks, I'll do a search, might need to buy it from ebay.uk and have it posted to France and have it waiting for me.
I agree it could a fair amount of bluff, though I'm not about to test that theory by trying without it.
I'm still interested to know how neighbouring countries likek Italy, Switzerland and others, how coming from there on motorcycle for a scoot across into France will be received by 'Le Flic'?
_____
Paul
__________________
I have learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it.
|
21 May 2013
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
|
|
|
Has anyone found any stickers yet which look permanent but can actually be removed afterwards? The ones I've seen on eBay all say they can't be removed once fitted.
|
21 May 2013
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
|
|
|
Has anyone heard of any fines issued? We will be going through in a week or so, but heading straight to Belgium. probably only spend a few hours on the road in France...
Sent from my HTC J Z321e using Tapatalk 2
|
6 Jun 2013
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pumbaa
Has anyone heard of any fines issued?
|
Never heard of a one.
Never seen a French guy with them on either and deffo not the moped riders.
Don't fret about it.
John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
|
6 Jun 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 141
|
|
|
I'm happy enough to out stickers on the lid. If I have a fall I don't fancy passing traffic mistaking my head for a hedgehog. I'm less enamoured about stickers that destroy the helmet if removed. Can't see the point in that
__________________
That concrete whizzing by five inches below your foot is the real thing...
|
7 Jun 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
|
Improvise
Quote:
Originally Posted by mustaphapint
Has anyone found any stickers yet which look permanent but can actually be removed afterwards? The ones I've seen on eBay all say they can't be removed once fitted.
|
I suggest that you leave the sticky material covered up with the original backing material and attach the reflectors with, say, double sided tape; that should come off when ever you wish and nor should it affect the helmet finish.
__________________
Dave
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
