The start of winter doesn’t have to mean the end of cycling to work. With a little extra planning for both you and your bike you can still enjoy the benefits when the rest of us are shivering
The benefits of cycling – particularly as part of a daily commute – are innumerable. My personal motivators include saving money and attempting some much needed exercise while still avoiding the gym.
In summer, using your bike is glorious and envious looks from car drivers stuck in rush hour traffic are commonplace. Although pedalling in the winter can still be good fun, a few basic precautions are needed to combat the cold and dark evenings. Matt Barber, Sustainable Travel Officer for Travelchoice, believes there is nothing better than cycling to work on a frosty morning. “It’s fantastic, with a bright blue sky, the sun blazing down and breathing in cold, clear, fresh air. Plus the roads are generally quieter in winter and you get to see some amazing sunsets.”
There’s no need to hibernate your bike this winter, I’ve been in touch with the area’s top cycling experts to get some tips to keep you safe whilst cycling during the chilly season.
Illuminate:
Did you know that it’s illegal to cycle in the dark without lights (front and back) and without reflectors (back and pedal)? Cambridgeshire police, working with Peterborough’s Travelchoice project treat cycling safety as a priority and you’ll receive warnings and fines if you don’t have lights on your bike. Matt suggests having two rear lights when cycling in winter; one flashing and the other emitting a steady light. He says, “As cyclists we have to make sure that traffic can clearly see the manoeuvres we are making. With lights and reflective clothing you are visible from over 150m away; in dark clothing this is reduced to less than 30m.”
Get reflective:
Terry Wright Cycles in Deeping St James offer a whole range of reflective clothing and accessories to make sure you’re as visible as possible during cold, dark winter evenings. Owner Paul Bonham explains, “You can get a reflective belt that goes on top of your clothes for as little as £12. There are also covers which waterproof your helmet and have reflective strips on all sides. For £20 you can fit your bike with reflective tyres. These are great for countryside cycling to make sure motorists can see you from the side if you’re waiting to turn at a T-junction.”
Take responsibility for your safety:
Dom Coates from Rutland Cycling believes that a well fitting helmet is essential, “it should comfortably fit round the head all the way round and be level and stable enough to resist shaking” he says. This advice is endorsed by the Travelchoice team, who also suggest cycling in a primary position. Matt explains that this means cycling further away from the kerb, more into the centre of the road. “Don’t hug the kerb or cycle in the gutter” he says, “you need to be seen.”
Winter proof your bike:
“A little extra effort in preparing your bike for winter will go a long way in keeping you safe and getting the most out of your bike” says Dom from Rutland Cycling. “We offer lots of good cleaning products and lubricants to make sure your bike is kept clean and in good condition”. He particularly recommends Rutland Cycling’s ‘ultimate cycling maintenance kit’ – five indispensable products every bike rider should have.
Be prepared:
Make sure you have mud guards fitted, have a waterproof jacket and trousers at the ready. Get a thick pair of gloves and a waterproof cover for your rucksack or pannier bags. Terry Wright Cycles have a wide range of specialist clothing on offer in store. Owner, Paul Bonham recommends opting for a breathable waterproof jacket which will keep you dry and warm and also lets air out to avoid the ‘boil in the bag’ effect.
Words: Nyree Ambarchian
Altura Night Vision Evo Waterproof Jacket From £75 available in a range of colours with ranges for men and women. Available from Rutland Cycling stores and online at www.rutlandcycling.com and from Terry Wright Cycles in Deeping St James.
Cateye EL520 / TL610 LED Light £62.99, available from Rutland Cycling stores and online at www.rutlandcycling.com
Rutland Cycling Ultimate Maintenance Kit £26.99, available from Rutland Cycling stores and online at www.rutlandcycling.com
Specialized Helmets Tactic MTB Helmet From £37, available from Rutland Cycling stores and online at www.rutlandcycling.com
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