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How to Stay Safe on Your Bike in Dark, Wet, Busy Winters

Once the clocks go back, winter commuting brings a new set of challenges. Kids are back to school so the roads are busier, days are shorter, and consistently wet conditions all affect how well you can see — and be seen on the road — as well as how effectively your bike can stop.

Visibility: Lights and Reflective Gear

Good lights aren’t optional in winter — they’re a legal requirement after dark and an essential safety upgrade even in poor daylight. Remember, there’s no limit to how many lights you can put on your bike – the more the merrier, this also helps get you home if one runs out of battery.

  • Front lights — bright enough to light the road ahead and stand out against car lights – to alert oncoming traffic.
  • Rear lights — steady or flashing to catch driver attention.
  • Reflective additions — clothing, pedal reflectors, spoke reflectors, or reflective tyre strips all increase side-on visibility.

Check batteries or charge levels regularly — cold weather can reduce run time.

Braking in Wet Conditions

Rain, oily road film, and grit reduce braking performance, especially on rim brakes.

  • Check for wear and embedded grit often and keep pads and braking surfaces clean.
  • For disc brakes, regular cleaning of rotors and pads will prevent noise and loss of bite.
  • Don’t forget your tyres! These are THE key braking component on your bike – check them for foreign objects and wear, and inflate them regularly.

Mudguards: Comfort and Component Protection

Full-length mudguards don’t just keep you drier — they reduce spatter to lights and front derailleur, which can quickly seize if constantly hammered with crud. They improving visibility, comfort and bike performance in the long run.

Plan for Busier Roads

With more cars on the road after school runs and in darker evenings, ride predictably and position yourself where you can be seen. Avoid sudden swerves to dodge puddles or debris — signal early and give drivers clear cues.

Prepare your bike for safe winter riding — from light upgrades to brake checks and mudguard fitting, we can help you stay visible and in control.

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