If you are anything like Team Kiddimoto, then you aren't a fair weather cycle family. However, the Winter months provide even more elements to battle with, so we have put together our top tips for safe cycling for the whole family this Winter.
1. Get Lit
It is against the law in the UK to ride a bike in the dark without lights. If you are cycling after dark, and lets face it the school run is pretty bleak in December and Jan, make sure all bikes have working lights positioned where they can be clearly seen. Take a look at the lights from our friends at Halfords.
2. Check The Weather
'There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes'
Although we do not recommend going out for a cycle during a storm, there is some truth in that quote. Make sure everyone is wrapped up warm, with layers that can be removed if anyone gets too hot.
We all know how unpredictable the British weather can be, so it is important to wear waterproof clothing to stay as dry as possible! Don't forget your gloves and warm socks - those extremity points can get cold and painful very quickly - numb fingers do not equal safe cycling!
3. Stand Your Ground!
We all have a habit of creeping as close to the curb as possible because we feel like a slight inconvenience to traffic. This can be dangerous because cars think they can sneak by and not give you the correct amount of space needed to overtake.
Hold your place at least 50cm from the curb or more depending on the road. This will make sure cars can see you and forces them to properly overtake at the correct distance, and wait until it is safe to do so.
4. Keep Your Eyes Peeled
It is much harder to see in the dark, no matter how many carrots you have eaten. This means dips in the path or road, slippery leaves and even ice. We recommend that you don't wear headphones when cycling, as this can impair your other senses and more importantly you wouldn't hear your family if there was a problem.
5. Your Bike Is Your Baby!
We cannot stress this enough - look after your bikes! The winter brings all sorts of muck to the roads and even something that is supposed to help such as grit for the roads can cause corrosion to bike frames and tyres.
Be sure to regularly clean them as well as keeping the chain and brakes well oiled.
Stay safe, and enjoy cycling just as you would do in the summer months :)
Like this? You might like our last post.
