30 Nov, 2023/ by National Accident Helpline /News
Cycling on the roads is a very risky sport. In 2019 as many as 16,884 cyclists were reported injured in an accident on the road. Out of these, 4,433 were either seriously injured or sadly died.
Cycling on the road is particularly dangerous in the winter months. Did you know that about as many as 10,000 cyclists end up in A&E every year due to slipping on ice in winter conditions? In fact, these types of cycling accidents were the highest reason for cyclists being admitted to hospital! Unfortunately, we can easily be deceived by temperatures in winter as the air temperature is not as cold as the ground temperature which you cycle on. Cycling in winter really can be treacherous, so it is crucial you know how to reduce the risk of an accident when cycling to stay safe.
Is it harder to cycle in winter?
It is generally harder to cycle in winter and this starts with a lack of motivation. Cold and dark winter months are less likely to entice cyclists out onto the road, and due to a lack of sunshine, our happy hormones are at a low making it mentally more trying.
If you manage to cycle outside in winter, it can be more tiring than during other seasons. For example, you could end up cycling in thick mud. There are, however, ways you make things easier for yourself when cycling in winter, such as:
- keeping your eye on the ground ahead when you are cycling to find areas of traction and dry ground
- making sure you break before you reach a turn
- using tracks that have been made by other cyclists when you need to go through mud
- making sure your tyre pressures are low to ensure better grip
Where to ride for winter cycling
With cycling in winter being a dangerous and difficult time to cycle, you may want to know where you should ride if you decide to. Well ideally, you may consider going outside of the UK and taking your bicycle to warmer and sunny lands. There are places you can get to by train or ferry so bike-friendly options to find a warmer country to cycle in. For example:
- Lanzarote
- Mallorca
But taking a holiday overseas is not always an option when you feel like cycling in winter. So if you are looking for places to cycle in winter in the UK, consider the following:
- flat routes such as canal paths and trails
- urban MTB rides such as scrublands, park back-alleys and woods
- man-made trails specifically for cycling in the winter
- off-road cycling using a mountain bike
- off-road cycling using a cyclo-cross bike
- off-road cycling using a gravel/adventure bike
- bridleways
Choosing flat routes when cycling in winter means that whilst wrapped up warm you do not become too hot with all your layers on.
What to wear cycling in winter
If you cycle in winter it is important to wear the right gear. This is made easier nowadays with the range of modern technical clothing available. Layering Is vital to keep warm and also means if you get too hot you can take something off. Items to wear include:
- weight cycling jersey
- a waterproof shell layer
- bib tights which also cover your lower back too
- knee length socks
- overshoes or booties
How to stay visible cycling in winter
You must be visible cycling in winter to help stay safe. It is a legal requirement that you have lights and reflectors on your bike if you cycle when it is dark. This means you must have a white front light and a red rear light on your bike. The front light must be in a central position or to the right side of your bike. The rear light must be positioned the same but at the rear. There are further legal requirements for both in terms of, for example, measurements from the ground. You could also fit our bike with pedal reflectors.
It is crucial when cycling in the winter that you try to avoid cycling when it gets dark and too dangerous. One way to do this is to ensure you do not cycle when the sun has dipped below the horizon. If you do, turn your lights on at this point to stay safe in winter. Also, when cycling in the winter you can use extra lamps and reflectors to stay safe. But check they are the legally correct colour and position.
How to stay warm cycling in winter
If you do decide to cycle in winter, you need to stay warm. There are many ways you can do so. For example, you can:
- eat a good early breakfast before cycling
- place your clothes on the radiator before you leave so you wear them warm
- take a hot drink in an insulated bottle with you
- wear clear or light enhancing lenses glasses to stop dry cold wind getting in your eyes
- wear warm but not bike gloves
- take a snood type of neck tube for a warmer beck
What temperature is too cold for cycling?
If you are a recreational cyclist, you will likely find it too cold to cycle outdoors once the temperature drops below 4.5. However, those who cycle regularly may be able to stand as low as -15c. But cycling at such low temperatures requires you to prepare very carefully to stay safe when cycling.
How else do cyclists stay in shape in winter?
Although cycling is dangerous in winter, many cyclists want to stay in shape during the winter months. After all, the Christmas season falls in winter which is when those who celebrate it tend to overindulge. However, there are other ways kids can stay in good shape for cycling over winter other than cycling outside.
Cyclists can stay in shape over winter by indoor cycling training. This is much more exciting than it used to be with workouts and group rides. There are even virtual reality worlds to cycle in!
What are most bicycle accidents caused by?
Road traffic accidents involving cyclists are so common that the Government has confirmed a pilot scheme to help drivers to be more aware of cyclist safety on the road. They are investing a massive £500,000 into this. Most bicycle accidents are caused by a road traffic incident where another vehicle is at fault. Bicycle accidents can also occur because of:
- defective equipment such as a fault with the cyclist's helmet
- a safety issue with the way the bike was manufactured
- the poor condition of cycle lanes such as cracks in them
- poor road conditions, such as containing potholes
If you do have a bicycle accident which was not your fault, you could be able to make a cycling accident claim.
We can help you with your accident claim today - Call us on or if it is easier you can request a call back here and even make your claim online.
Last updated 30.11.23