Essential Tips for Winter Cyclists
Cycling in the winter months can be daunting, with dark nights and temperamental weather conditions. Although dark evenings have arrived, there’s no need to hang up your helmet and stop doing what you enjoy.
We teamed up with Cycling Time Trials (CTT) to provide some top tips for cycling safety this autumn and winter:
- Consider your route – having enjoyed the light of spring and summer, your familiar route can look very different in the dark and may no longer be suitable as the light fades, due to being entirely unlit
- Be seen, be safe – make sure your bike lights are operating and fully charged, and that you and your bike are visible
- Stay dry – the UK’s weather can be volatile, so ensure that you have waterproofs with you, ready for those sudden showers
- Keep warm – becoming cold can affect your concentration whilst riding, so ensure that you’re wearing layers that you can adapt for the conditions
- Watch out for leaves – not only can they be slippery, but they may hide hazards such as drains and pot holes. Manhole covers and painted lines on the road can also become slick in damp and wet weather
- Judging speed and distance is more difficult in the dark, so take care around other road users and at junctions
- Be mindful of the weather – as temperatures drop, roads can become slick with frost and ice, which presents dangers to all road users. Take extra care when riding through shaded areas that don’t catch the sun during the day
- Make sure your bike is roadworthy – to ensure that everything is in full working order and to guard against making roadside repairs in the cold, dark and rain
- In the event of a mechanical issue, make sure you have the correct tools and knowledge to complete roadside repairs, or have a phone with you so that you can call for help
- Be aware that many other road users will be travelling in the dark for the first time too. While you may be prepared, they may not be
- Carry a mobile phone, and if possible inform someone of your route and expected ride time.
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