Tips For Riding Safe This Winter

Biking is an interesting activity that fills you with unending excitement on the road. However, the winter season is a period where bikers have to be extremely careful. This season comes with more delays and accidents due to the snow and ice. One of the important things to do during this season is to ensure your safety by changing the way you drive during these harsh conditions. The following are five safety tips you can use for driving in the winter.

1. Know the Road Conditions

Normally, the road condition during winter is quite different from other seasons since the sand, grit, salt, and ice are added. Indeed, bike trails are often plowed; yet, it is very important to consider the condition of any bike trail before riding at all.  Slippery spots and black ice can be extremely dangerous to riders, so taking caution is very important in wintery conditions.

2. Avoid Snow and Icy Road

In England for instance, it doesn’t snow much but everything freezes. During the winter period, it is advisable for you not to ride on the surfaces. As we all know, riding a bike requires balance and if you must ride, you need to learn some balancing techniques to prevent slipping underneath you. Make it a practice to check the weather forecast before you leave home at all.

If you decide to go out during this period, make sure you look out for ice and take note of sudden changes in the weather condition. These conditions include wind, hail stones, and other. Ride safely in your lane and make sure your grip on the road is far less. Adjust positions gently as you ride along.

3. Wrap Up Warm

When riding during the winter, it is a good idea to wrap up warm. This is because when the cold gets into your bones, you may easily get distracted and tend to lose focus. Being too cold can be more hazardous than you could ever imagine. When riding in colder conditions, make sure you protect yourself with gears like gloves, boots, helmets, and leather jackets to keep your warm and safe. If you don’t have any or some of these protective gears, you can get them in your local store. It isn’t a bad idea if you consider carrying around a spare pair of gloves in case they get wet.

4. Choosing a Light

The winter season is a time of the year that bikers and cyclists need to make good use of lights to stay visible. This is usually because the mornings are dark and the wet conditions can result in poor visibility. The rain can limit a cyclist’s own vision while others find it extremely difficult to even see. The type of light you choose will be determined by your riding style, when you ride and where you ride.

5. Bike Equipment

This tip is applicable during all seasons and it is required by law in most regions. When riding during the winter period, have the right set of bike equipment such as helmet, gloves, a bell, boots, and reflectors. A helmet will reduce the impact on your head should you fall. Also, make sure you replace your bike helmet as they get weaken in the sun.