Winter is the time of year when the clocks go back resulting in darker mornings and evenings. It’s a notorious time for accidents as visibility is low. So how can you ensure you’re staying safe during your winter commute.
Be Seen
The best way to be seen is by having large reflective patches on you and your bike. Visibility for motorists is dramatically reduced in the winter the more visible you can make yourself the better.
High visibility vests, reflective sashes and high visibility clothing are brilliant examples of increasing your visibility. Paired these with lights on you bicycle.
Light Up
Nothing is more important than being seen by other motorists while cycling in the dark. Use your front and rear lights every time you get on your bike, this will also help you be seen in the day. Investing in some side lights may be advantageous as cars will be traveling on all sides of you. Not just in front and behind!
Now you have your lights, maintain them and always carry spares. This will ensure you are never without light and can be seen at all time whilst travelling. Ensure that your lights are bright enough to be seen but not blinding other road users at the same time, a healthy balance is what’s needed.
Stay Out of the Gutter
Positioning in the road is very important for visibility. Riding too close to the gutter will encourage people to overtake you. In Autumn and Winter the gutters are full of leaves, water and maybe even snow. The best place to position yourself in the road is the part kept clean by passing cars as this will be the least slippiest.
Taking this position in the road will also make you visible to other road users. Things to remember are that drain covers, road markings and manhole covers are more likely to be slippery when wet. Try not to speed up or brake sharply over them, this also applies to putting your leg down when you’re coming to a stop.
Stay Observant
It is obviously harder to see things such as potholes, leaves and other motorists in the dark. It’s important to be extra vigilant on those winter mornings and evenings. Be careful of leaves in the Autumn as they fall from the trees and black ice in the winter as temperatures drop.
Check Your Bicycle Regularly
Checking your bike is in top shape for the winter is almost as important as being seen by other motorists. If you are unsure whether your bicycle is ready for the winter take it to your local cycle shop for a service, they can also advise you on best practice.
In the winter; rain and snow can deposit a lot of dirt onto your chain. This can grind down your chain and sprockets and even start forming rust. It pays to regularly clean and lubricate your chain to prevent seizing or the chain falling off.
Ensure that your brake pads are clean and free of anything greasy.
Dress for the Weather
It is advised to invest in some good quality winter wear. Cold and wet weather can leave you irritable and uncomfortable, so it is always advised to layer up and be prepared for all weathers.
Layering up is key with a thermal layer base to take in sweat from the body, a light middle layer to keep you warm and a wind proof outer layer with reflective strips. Don’t forget your fingers, numb fingers can cause you to lose control of your bicycle, wear some gloves.
Be Aware of Hazards
It will take you longer to travel in Wintry conditions so plan ahead for this as you need to ride slower and with more care then you usually would.
Roads are slipperiest when it first rains or snows, not only will there be much less grip on the road but you will also have to fighter stronger wind gusts. Position yourself in the road giving you space and time to adapt to conditions and slow down. Stopping distances are also increased whilst roads are wet keep this in consideration and keep your distance.
Plan your routes and if roads conditions are too bad do not take the risk and leave your cycle at home; car share or take public transport.
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