Eurobike 2019

••• 10••• Branchennews Vorsicht beim E-Bike-Transport Ob Ausflug oder Urlaub – wer sein E-Bike mit dem Auto transpor- tiert, sollte nach Empfehlung der Experten von DEKRA einige Hin- weise beachten. Das dient nicht nur der Sicherheit, sondern auch der Lebensdauer von E-Bike und Akku. Am häufigsten werden E- Bikes mit einem Heckträger auf der Anhängerkupplung transpor- tiert. Dabei ist die sichere Befesti- gung der Fahrräder regelmäßig zu kontrollieren. Zu bedenken ist auch das deutlich höhere Gewicht von E-Bikes. Zwei E-Bikes bringen rund 50 Kilogramm auf die Waa- ge. Der Träger muss für solche Be- lastungen ausgelegt sein. Das Glei- che gilt für die Stützlast der Anhängerkupplung. Für den Transport sollte man den Akku und das Display abnehmen. Für die Aufbewahrung des Akkus im Auto empfehlen sich nicht leiten- de gepolsterte Hüllen, die Stöße abdämpfen und einen Hitzeschutz bieten. Anti-Lock Braking for Pedelecs With increasing use of pedelecs, the risk of accidents increases. According to the German Federal Office of Statistics, the curve showing the injuries and fatal ac- cidents displays a steep rise. For a study, the Swiss Accident Pre- vention Center has surveyed more than 4,000 electric bike us- ers on the causes of accidents. More than 51 per cent said that the streets are too slippery, while 37 per cent admitted to be driv- ing too fast. 26 per cent said they were braking too strongly. Multi- ple answers were possible in the survey. The results showed: ap- parently, proper braking plays a large role in accidents. It has been long compulsory for motor- cycles – but not yet for pedelecs: the anti-lock braking system (ABS). The Zweirad-Fachhandels- verband (ZEG) is launching two electrical bicycles on the market equipped with a brake assistant. Even those who brake strongly and abruptly with their ABS-pe- delec cannot slip sideways and that even at high speeds on a smooth ground. With the new ABS, accidents could therefore be avoided in the future. Daily Cycling can help prevent depression We all know that cycling has great physical benefits, but have you ever wondered if it stops there? It turns out that scientists have also be- en wondering about the extent of cycling’s benefits for years. Accor- ding to recent research, cycling has a wide array of psychological benefits. One of cycling’s clearest mental be- nefits is its effect on mood. Knowing this, it’s not too surprising that cyc- ling has been proven to help prevent and treat depression. Even a small amount of exercise can yield these re- sults, according to James Blumenthal of Duke University. Cycling has al- so been shown to help treat ADHD. Perhaps the most striking benefit of cycling is its effect on Parkinson’s disease. Various studies have shown that cycling is particularly effective in helping to slow down the effects of Parkinson’s. UN celebrates Bicycle Day Bicycle environmentally friendly and a tool for development T he simple, affordable, and environ- mentally friendly bicycle is not just a means of transportation, but also “a tool for development”, the United Na- tions said in a message at last World Bi- cycle Day. Taking to two wheels fosters “sus- tainable consumption and produc- tion”, and has a “positive impact on climate”, according to the UN. Moreover, biking enhances ac- cess to education, health care and sport; and the synergy between the bicycle and the cyclist raises a more intimate and immediate awareness of the local environ- ment. According to the UN Environment Programme, even though the be- nefits of investing in pedestrians and cyclists can “save lives, help protect the environment and sup- port poverty reduction”, the mo- bility needs of people who walk and cycle, mostly urban dwellers, “con- tinue to be overlooked”. “The price paid for mobility is too high, especially because proven, low-cost and achievable solutions exist”, underscores UNEP’s Share the Road Programme An- nual Report 2018. “No-one should die walking or cycling to work or school.” The Programme continues to advoca- te for action, working with countries around the world to prioritize the needs of pedestrians and cyclists – a critical part of the mobility solution for helping cities break the link between population growth and increased emis- sions, and to improve air quality and road safety. According to the World Health Organiza- tion (WHO), safe infrastructure for wal- king and cycling is also a pathway to gre- ater health equity for the poorest urban dwellers, by providing transport “while reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, and even death”. UN Headquarters in New York marked the day with a special outdoor event, which General As- sembly President María Fernanda Espinosa observed comes “at a crucial time” as there are only ele- ven years left “to avoid the worst impacts of climate change”. With 2030 marking the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she encouraged sup- port for new technologies, adding that “we must also ensure we are harnessing existing tools, such as the bicycle”. Noting that transport is the third- largest source of CO 2 , Ms. Espinosa cited studies showing that if just ten per cent of city journeys were taken by bike, ur- ban transport emissions would fall by seven per cent. It would also contribute to reducing air pollution – the theme for this year’s World Environment Day. One girl One bike, an initiative in Tanza- nia Photo: United Nationss Cycling can help prevent depression. Photo: Jonny Kennaugh on Unsplash