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Cycling in snow and ice: how to stay safe and have fun!

We aren’t used to cycling (or driving!) on snow and ice in the UK, so when it does happen, it affects us disproportionately compared to countries which are built for colder climates. We also don’t have the same infrastructure to keep the roads clear, so we’re less likely to clear roads quickly or efficiently.

As the weather takes a turn, you might choose not to risk a ride, and instead hang your bike up for the rest of the season.But with the right preparation, it is safe (and enjoyable) to keep riding all through winter.

Here’s some key points to consider when facing a winter of cycling…

Check the weather forecast

It always pays to check the weather forecast before heading out for a ride, if only to decide on the best clothing combo for the day, and not least to assess whether ice may be a threat.

A quick look at the Met Office (insert link) website will tell you if any weather warnings have been issued and what you may have to look out for; including freezing rain, fog or , the nemesis of any cyclist, black ice.

Ice is most likely to form overnight, so be extra careful if you’re heading off to work early.

As with any ride, always be sure to tell someone where you’re going, share your intended route and expected time of arrival. This is good practice for any ride but becomes even more prevalent in winter conditions.

Drop your saddle

Dropping your saddle slightly is a great way to bring your centre of gravity down. It’ll also bring you closer to the ground if you need to get your feet down for extra security in case of a wobble or slide. Place the saddle in a position that allows you to putthe soles of both feet on the ground without getting off the saddle. In this way, in the event of a sudden skid, you can quickly get your feet on the ground and avoid a fall.

Positioning the saddle lower won’t help you win any races, but it will help you reach your destination in one piece.

Loosey goosey!

In addition to reducing the height of the saddle, position yourself upright in a way that puts less weight on the handlebars. In this way, there’s a lesser chance of the front wheel slipping, and in the event of a skid, allows you to recover your balance to avoid a full-on fall

Watch your speed and sharp turns

The main danger of skidding happens when braking, so the best way to avoid this is to slow down and reduce the need to brake in the first place.

Most of us know the old mantra “your front brake is for slowing down, your back brake is for stopping” but the bit that usually gets missed out is “Except on ice where you really don’t want to lose any traction. At all.” If you were to slam on the front brake going over ice, any loss of control at the front is going to be sudden and very hard to recover from.

If you do need to brake when riding on ice, gently apply the back brake only, try to stay relaxed and pedal smoothly. Sharp turns also cause skids and falls, in the same way that happens when we brake abruptly with the front brake. Moderating the speed will help you avoid these problems.

Ride on tracks left by other road users

Aim for busier roads. No we haven’t gone mad, and you’re not reading this in a parallel universe. Main roads are more likely to be cleared by cars and treated with salt.

Tracks left by other vehicles or bicycles on the ground are always cleaner and free of ice and snow. Riding on icy snow can be a real danger, and it can act as camouflage for potholes and other unpleasant surprises. Taking advantage of the ruts on the road, especially from a car or truck, is the safest thing to do.

Take particular care when you turn off a main road, which may be clear of ice, on to a quiet street that may not have been treated with salt!

Pay attention to cars

Cars are much heavier than bikes and skid more easily in turns and when braking, even when moving at the same speed, they take much longer to stop than a bicycle.

On cold, low-visibility days, remember to pay extra attention and keep a greater distance than you would in normal conditions.

Don’t forget the lighting.

In adverse visibility conditions it’s so important to make yourself seen by other road users. Snow and ice reduce visibility and often cause reflections and glare that deceive, confuse, and dazzle other drivers. Always use rear, front and rear and side reflective lights on your bike to increase your own (and others’) safety.

Change those tyres!

Punctures. We’ve all had one (or a few) and experienced the frustration of having to stop and change a tyre mid-ride. During winter, excess rain washes bits and pieces onto the road that can

lodge into your tyre. Similarly, the damp surface makes it easier for the bits and pieces to be picked up, resulting in a higher likelihood of puncture. So, what to do? Specially designed winter tyres not only offer puncture resistant tyres but offer much better grip.

If you don’t have the option of different tyres, try running your usual ones at a slightly lower pressure.

Use the layer theory

If snow has made an appearance, you’ll be working hard and not carrying as much momentum. Layering your clothing is the trick here, as you can regulate your body temperature more easily.

The purpose of using several layers is to trap and maintain heat, and the idea has actually been inherited from mountaineering. Putting five thin layers on instead of two thick ones will give you the same warmth but will stop you from sweating as much.

· The first layer is basically a t-shirt. For long trips where you may sweat a bit, we recommend buying a t-shirt made of special materials that absorb sweat from the skin and evaporate it.

· The second layer should be a garment with thermal properties. A thin polyester vest or sweater is ideal.

· The third layer’s purpose is to repel the cold from the outside, so a nylon wind/waterproof jacket is ideal. If this is packable, it gives you further options to add and remove as the temperature changes.

Now for your fingers and toes, summer gloves and thin socks just won’t cut it once the temperature plummets. And of course nothing ruin’s a winter ride faster than freezing hands and feet!

Layering again can be your best friend. Wear two pairs of thin socks rather than reaching for one pair of thick ones. If you can, invest in some winter cycling boots or overshoes to keep the wind off and the snow out.

Keep checking your bike

Snow, ice and salt can quickly build up on your bike, so check that the brakes are clear and still functioning properly at various points on your journey.

In general, whenever cycling in snow or ice, do everything gently.Big pedal strokes end up in wheelspin – harsh braking ends in slides. Use your whole pedal stroke to apply power smoothly, steer a little bit rather than setting up sharp corners. Get out there and make the most of the beautiful landscape – in the same way night riding changes the feel of your routes, riding in the snow generates a completely different look, feel and challenge too!

For more information or to start your claim, call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here to help. You can email us or schedule a callback.

Written By:

Emily Pheysey

Litigation Executive

Emily has over 7 years of experience in the legal sector, handling road traffic accident claims to recover compensation and support her clients. Her focus is to ensure all clients feel comfortable and at ease with the claims process so that they can focus on their recovery.

Emily considers rapport to be an essential part of the role and strives to always provide excellent client care.

Away from work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling as much possible.

Diane Holderness

Litigation Executive

Diane is a Ministry of Justice (TOJ) Team Leader within our Cycle Department. She has 11 years’ experience managing road traffic accident claims, and 6 years’ experience managing MOJ claims.

Diane enjoys a challenge and always strives for the very best results for her customers; something that is clear in the way her team continually adapts its strategies in order to secure the most desired outcome. Diane has worked her way through the legal ranks here, and is proud to now have a strong, specialist team that is committed to customer satisfaction.

Diane believes that happy clients make a happy working environment, and it is this that ensures a productive and efficient workforce.

Nina Haddock

Chartered Legal Executive

Nina has over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector. She specialises in recovering compensation for injury claimants as a result of road traffic accidents. Her focus for each and every claim is to help her clients secure the funding that they need to pay for ongoing treatment and support.

Nina became a CILEX Fellow in 2006 and now helps her clients and their families at a time when they have been through a traumatic experience, and everything they hold dear to them appears to be changing.

One case Nina is particularly proud of is supporting a client who had successfully sought asylum in the UK, following a road traffic accident. The claim was successfully pursued through the MIB and the client was left with significant injuries. Her client was able to use the compensation to aid family members with their applications to seek asylum in the UK.

Julian Fox

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Julian qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has worked in all areas of personal injury since 2000. Julian has a well-rounded understanding of personal injury law, having represented both claimants and defendants.

Julian always aims for maximum damages to meet his clients’ needs for injury and rehabilitation expenses, and can often secure interim payments to help meet clients’ financial needs. Julian is highly proactive in ensuring cases are progressed, ensuring a timely conclusion.

When not at the office, Julian is a keen cyclist, both on roads and virtually -he will often do an hour of ‘Zwifting’ in the mornings before starting work.

Richard Atherton

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Richard has 12 years of legal experience and qualified as a Solicitor in February 2014. He has been a Team Manager with us since 2019. Throughout his career, Richard has specialised in personal injury, handling an array of Road Traffic Accident cases, in addition to employer and public liability.

Richard prides himself on his very strong strategic and planning skills, which come into their own in complex injury cases where more technical arguments are involved. On every case, he is committed to ensuring that his clients receive full compensation for their injuries.

Away from work, Richard enjoys sport; he is a season ticket holder at St Helens Rugby Club and a Liverpool FC fan. Not only a spectator, Richard also likes going to play golf as often as he can.

Dave Gardner

Litigation Executive

Dave has over 20 years of experience in the legal sector. His specialism is personal injury and he has dealt with hundreds of cycling injury claims during his career. Excellent client care and communication is paramount to Dave. He prides himself on being accessible and available, attending court hearings where damages are in dispute to ensure the best outcome for his clients. One case Dave is particularly proud of is when he supported an elderly client who suffered serious injuries following a road traffic incident. The police had not taken any action against the defendant, so Dave had to be proactive and act within a 24-hour window. The case proceeded and the client was in receipt of £30,000 in damages, which he would not have been entitled to had the client not approached Dave. He is also an avid supporter of Glasgow Rangers and travelled abroad on many occasions to see them play in European competitions.

Gerard Horton

Partner

Gerard is a Senior Solicitor at Cycle SOS. In his 13 years of experience, Gerard has built a national reputation in the catastrophic injury sector, dealing with high value and complex cases. Alongside his legal role, Gerard supports several charities including Headway Central Lancashire, Northwest Regional Spinal Injuries Centre and spinal injury charity, Back Up.

Julia Eyton

Partner

Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Cycle SOS team.

Specialising in representing those who have had life changing injuries, Julia handles some of the most serious and complex personal injury cases both within Cycle SOS and nationally.

She often works on high value claims and is skilled in winning complex liability cases.

NADIA KERR

Partner

Nadia has over 30 years of legal expertise and has represented hundreds of vulnerable road users. With a focus on ensuring timely rehabilitation, speedy repair or replacement of bikes and kit, and securing fair compensation, Nadia is committed to advocating for justice and client rights. Alongside her legal career, Nadia actively participates in national campaigns to benefit vulnerable road users and acts as a Trustee/Director for the national cycling charity, Cycling UK. Nadia was named in Cycling UK’s ‘100 women’ and was a founding member, now running a women’s cycling group, TeamGlow in South Manchester. Among her many achievements, Nadia takes pride in her spot on BBC Breakfast, where she provided expert commentary on long term government funding for pothole repairs.

Caroline Morris

DIRECTOR OF SERIOUS INJURY

Caroline has specialised in personal injury for over 25 years, recovering more than £56 million in damages during that time, to help clients rebuild their lives after injury.

Caroline is committed to achieving rehabilitation options early, meaning her clients benefits from the best care and treatment at the earliest stage possible.