5 Great Ways to Prepare for the Winter as a Cyclist

When it comes to the winter season, one thing is of greater concern for cyclists: shorter days leading to longer nights. This means more time spent cycling in darkness in road conditions that have been made rougher by freezing temperatures. As such, it is important to take the proper safety precautions to avoid getting into accidents.

To that end, we have created this list of ways you can stay safe on the roads as a cyclist despite the increasing darkness and cold. With no further ado, here it is:

1. Wear winter cycling gear

As a cyclist, you likely have experience travelling in any number of adverse conditions. Winter, however, is an entirely different animal. Cycling in the winter involves exposing yourself to very low temperatures that are intensified by the wind that passes you as you pedal. The wind chill experienced as you travel can also make these temperatures seem even colder, which can put you at risk for hypothermia and respiratory illnesses.

As such, it is important to wear winter cycling gear to protect yourself from this intense cold.

2. Invest in bicycle LED lights

As we mentioned earlier, the winter seasons bring longer and darker nights. You might find yourself having to bike through dark roads, especially since the sun will start to set sooner. As such, it is important to have the best bicycle LED lights possible. With such lights, you would be more visible to drivers and pedestrians alike.

It might also help to get spoke lights to become more visible from the slides. Not only that, but they are an aesthetically pleasing addition to any bike.

3. Wear reflective clothing

There is no end to the importance of being visible as a cyclist, which makes reflective clothing as important as lighting. Luckily, there is plenty of winter cycling gear that is made in highly visible fluorescent colours and reflective materials. This is not just important at night, but during the day as well.

4. Travel in groups

Having at least one buddy to travel with on your route can help you stay visible to drivers and pedestrians. Aside from that, travelling with a group can help ensure your collective safety, especially since there are more eyes to observe and keep watch for danger. In the case that something happens, travelling in a group also means there are others to ensure you reach home safely.

5. Get the appropriate winter tires

Depending on your route, you might need specialised winter tires for your bicycle. If you expect to be riding through snow, it might be better to install studded tires to prevent yourself from skidding or sinking into the snow. Consult other local cyclists about their winter preparations to see what types of tires are best.

Final thoughts

Safety paraphernalia like winter tires, bicycle LED lights, winter gear, and so on might be an added expense. They are, however, essential for preventing injuries and illnesses on the road. After all, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. It is still better to spend in the hopes of preventing problems rather than spending to solve them.

If you’re looking for bicycle LED lights and other cycling equipment, send us at Cushbike a message. We offer fast and free delivery to anywhere in the UK within 2 to 3 working days.