Winter cycling safety tips

There are a few simple things you can do to ensure that you and your bike are prepared for riding this winter season.

Cycling can be a great way to travel all year round.

However, with reduced daylight hours and wet weather, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure that you and your bike are prepared for riding this winter season.

Check out our safety tips and stay on your bike this winter!

Lights

All bicycles are required by law to have the following lights/reflectors:

At all times:
• A red or yellow rear reflector that is visible from a distance of 100m when light
shines on it.
When cycling at night or when visibility is poor:
• One or more steady or flashing rear-facing red lights that can be seen at night
from a distance of 100m.
• One or two white or yellow headlights that can be seen at night from a distance
of 100m.
• Yellow reflectors on each pedal, or the cyclist must wear reflective material.

Clothing

Visibility is especially important during the winter, so wear bright coloured and
reflective clothing; put reflective strips on backpacks.
• Carry or wear a rain-jacket, but make sure it is not going to get caught in the
chain or other moving parts.
• Gloves help to ensure you can maintain good handle grip in cold, wet conditions.
• Shoes with good grip help ensure control in the wet.

Look after your bike

• Check your tyres to ensure there is still good tread and consider changing tyres
to ones with more grip.
• A pre-winter service from a bike mechanic is well advised, as parts wear down
over time.
• Store your bike under cover whenever possible.
• Consider fitting mudguards - they keep you clean and also protect your bike from
dirt and grime build up.
• Clean your bike regularly.
• Keep the bike chain well lubricated with a product designed for winter conditions.
• Ensure your brake pads are still effective and not overly worn.

Ride to the conditions

• Ride slower in wet conditions to keep control.
• Maintain a good road position - don't ride in the gutter.
• Pump the brakes gently while going down hills; this will reduce the bike's speed
gradually and assist braking in the wet.
• Try not to ride over wet leaves and avoid braking and turning sharply on them.
Remember leaves and puddles may conceal broken glass or other hazards.
• Pay particular attention when riding over road markings/manhole covers as they
can be slippery when wet.
• Driving conditions are also more difficult for motorists in the wet, so pay particular
attention to their actions.
• Get a bell fitted to your bike to warn other cyclists and pedestrians of your approach.