You can cycle safely in winter

With these tips and advice from the Pedal Power Association (PPA), there’s no need to lock up your bicycle because of cold or wet weather:

• First warm up your body by cycling slowly.
• Invest in powerful, lightweight LED lights with beams.
• Avoid puddles, they might hide potholes or other road hazards.
• Wear reflective clothing to ensure you are seen by drivers. Ankle and knee strips can also alert drivers to constant movement.
• Stay at least 50cm from the pavement, and sometimes further if the road edge is uneven, or if there’s road debris (especially watch out for sand or oil).
• Check your brakes (brake blocks should be correctly aligned and have enough wear left), gears and lights regularly.
• It is a good idea to change the tyres for some better suited to wet weather or to those that are puncture resistant.
  The pressure should also be slightly lower than usual to ensure better grip on the road.
• Layering your clothes will help to keep you warm and dry. The base layer should be to wick sweat from the body, a light mid-layer to keep you warm and a wind-proof or, if it rains, a rain cape outer layer with reflective strips.
  Remember to put on cycling gloves as well, to keep the fingers from getting numb.
• Invest in pedals with extra grip to prevent your shoes from slipping.

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