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4.4 Speed
The Bülk MK1 is built in such a way that you can reach speeds with little pedal effort that can only be
achieved with a normal bicycle with great effort.
Even a hobby cyclist can quickly develop a life-threatening speed on a slight incline, since the wind
hardly slows the vehicle down.
So drive in a manner appropriate to the environment and traffic so as not to endanger yourself or others.
Regularly check your tires for chafing, cuts or broken-in splinters and thorns. A burst tire (especially
the rear wheel) can quickly lead to loss of control of the vehicle!! If the rear tire loses air, this is
noticeable through a spongy driving experience. In such a case, stop immediately and check the
condition of the tires.
When mounting the tires, make sure that the inner tube does not get caught under the tire. A good
"slipping of the hose into the jacket" is achieved by talcum powder that is distributed in the jacket.
Don't use cheap hoses.
Change the coats in good time, this applies in particular to the rear wheel.
4.5 Lighting
In order to be allowed to drive on public roads, an approved lighting system is required on the vehicle.
The Bülk MK1 is not automatically equipped with this from the factory (this also depends on the
regulations of the respective country) and those who use public transport may need to supplement the
lighting system. In any case, it is advisable to use high-visibility lighting even during the day in order
to be clearly visible in traffic.
4.6 Body
With the Bülk MK1, the body takes on a supporting function and is not only responsible for wind and
weather protection. However, so that the body can be built as lightly as possible, reinforcements are
only incorporated in stressed areas. For this reason, the body must not be subjected to heavy loads
either from the inside or from the outside, and point loads in particular should be avoided. Only the
reinforced edge of the hatch is suitable for absorbing limited supporting forces when getting in and
out.
4.7 Behaviour in traffic
Velomobiles are a very rare phenomenon on the road and usually cause great astonishment or
uncertainty. You have to assume that it is difficult for drivers to estimate their speed.
From behind or directly from the front, the visibility of the Bülk MK1 may be worse than with a normal
bike due to its small frontal area and its low height. Therefore, always ride with eye-catching lights
even during the day and keep an eye on the traffic behind you through the rear-view mirror.
When using the road, do not allow yourself to be pushed too far to the side of the road while being
overtaken. If you slide off the road surface with a front wheel and get caught on the edge of the road,
this can lead to difficult situations.
If you use bike lanes, consider their low elevation and the fact that motorists may not see them in time.
Hedges or cars easily obscure the view of such a low vehicle.
Therefore, always drive carefully, especially on exits, and be ready to brake, even if you have the right
of way.
The Bülk MK1 has a low ground clearance for reasons of aerodynamics and cornering stability. In
