The risks associated with cycling become worse during the winter months.

Visibility can be considerably poorer and bad weather conditions can bring added dangers. An investigation into the cause of non-collision cycling incidents in the UK, for example, showed that slipping on ice was the most common cause at 26%, while eight per cent were due to wet roads, the second most common cause [i].

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reports that proportional to the total miles travelled, there are more cycling casualties during the winter months [ii]. There are, therefore, several key aspects of safety to consider when choosing to cycle during the winter.

Preparation

Make sure you are familiar with your route in advance, as new road layouts and junctions may be harder to navigate in dark conditions.

Ensure that your bike is in good condition and check the brakes and tyres regularly. Carrying a puncture kit is particularly important during bad weather, as there may be more debris on the road after heavy rain or snowfall.

Conditions

You should adjust your speed during wet and icy conditions, riding slower than usual to avoid slipping on ice. Braking earlier than you normally would is important if the road surface is slippy, while tyres with more tread will make your journey easier if there is snow on the ground.

Warm clothing is essential during cold and icy conditions. Cycling gloves are particularly useful. Mudguards on your bike will help deflect any spray from the wet or muddy roads away from your clothes.

Visibility

Visibility is much poorer during the winter due to fewer hours of daylight, and falling snow or rain may obstruct the vision of both cyclists and motorists. Reflective and fluorescent clothing is crucial to ensure you are visible to motorists. Bikes should be equipped with reflectors on the spokes and pedals, and should be added if not already fitted.

Lights must be attached to your bike to ensure you are visible, a white light on the front and a red light on the back. By law, these must be fitted when visibility is poor or restricted, not just when it is completely dark. Carrying some spare batteries for your bike lights is also a good idea.

It’s important to adapt to the visibility conditions and be extra cautious at junctions and dangerous stretches of road. Motorists are less likely to see you during poor weather or when it’s dark.

[i] ROSPA – Delivering Accident Prevention at Local Level

[ii] ROSPA – Cycling Accidents – August 2014