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bike preparation for spring

Preparing for Bike Safety in the Spring: Tips for Cyclists

As the days get longer and the weather starts to warm up, cyclists across the country are gearing up for spring. With increased time on two wheels comes an increase in bike safety concerns. It’s important that riders take a proactive approach when it comes to their own personal protection while out on their bikes this season. At Cycle SOS we believe that everyone has a right to ride safely and with confidence – no matter what time of year it is! To help you stay safe and avoid having to make claims for cycling accidents, here are some tips related to bike maintenance, protective gear selection and road safety during your rides this spring.

Bike Maintenance

Tire Pressure: Keeping your tires properly inflated is essential for safe cycling. The recommended tire pressure will be printed on the side of the tire itself or in your bike’s manual. Make sure to check both front and rear tires for proper inflation before each ride.

Chain Lubrication: A well-lubricated chain helps keep your bike running smoothly and efficiently while reducing wear on other components such as gears and derailleurs. Apply a light oil or lubricant to all parts of the chain at least once a month, paying special attention to any links that appear dry or rusty. Wipe off any excess lube with a clean cloth after application to prevent dirt build up over time.

Brake Check: Brakes are an important safety feature on bicycles, so make sure they are always in good working order before heading out for a ride. Inspect both brakes for signs of wear or damage such as frayed cables, worn pads, bent levers etc., then adjust them according to manufacturer instructions if necessary. Test each brake by squeezing firmly several times; if either one does not respond properly it may need further adjustment or repair.

Proper bike maintenance is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride. Be sure to check your tires, chain, and brakes before heading out on the road this spring. Now let’s talk about protective gear that can help keep you even safer while riding.

Spring is here and it's time to get your bike ready for the road. Don't forget to check your tire pressure, lubricate your chain, and give those brakes a once-over. Keep safe out there cyclists. #bikesafety #springcycling

Protective Gear

Protective gear is an essential part of cycling safety. Wearing the right equipment can help prevent serious injury in the event of a crash or fall.

Helmets: A properly fitted helmet should be worn at all times while riding a bike. Helmets are designed to absorb impact and protect your head from serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, and other head trauma. Make sure you choose one that fits correctly and meets the BS EN 1078 or EN 1078 safety standard.

Gloves: Gloves provide protection for your hands in case of falls or crashes. They also help keep your hands warm during cold weather rides, reduce fatigue on long rides, and give you better grip on handlebars when wet or slippery conditions exist. Look for gloves with reinforced palms for extra protection against abrasions if you do take a spill off your bike.

Lights: If you plan to ride early in the morning or late in the evening during the spring, make sure that your bike’s lights are working properly. Additionally, even during the daytime, weather conditions such as overcast skies or rain can also decrease visibility for both you and drivers on the road. Having lights on your bike will make you more visible to other road users and increase your safety.

Visibility: This is key when it comes to staying safe while cycling at night or in low light conditions. Wear reflective clothing that will make you more visible to drivers so they can see where you are going. Reflective vests, jackets, arm bands, leg bands, helmets – any type of clothing that has reflective material on it – will increase visibility significantly when illuminated by headlights from cars passing by or street lights along your route.

Protective gear is an essential part of biking safety, so be sure to wear a helmet, gloves and reflective clothing when you ride. Now let’s look at some road safety tips that can help keep you safe this spring.

Spring is here and so are the bike rides. Don't forget to gear up for safety - helmets, gloves, and reflective clothing will help keep you safe on the roads. #CycleSOS #BikeSafety

Road Safety Tips

Being visible to drivers is essential for cyclists’ safety on the roads. Wearing bright colours and using lights when riding at night or in low light conditions can help make sure that drivers are aware of your presence. Reflective clothing and accessories, such as helmets, backpacks, and shoes can also be helpful in making you more visible to drivers.

Following traffic laws is another important factor for staying safe while cycling. Obeying speed limits, traffic lights, and other road rules will help ensure that you stay safe on the roads. Additionally, always give way to pedestrians who have the right of way and use hand signals when turning or stopping so that other motorists know what you are doing.

Finally, it is important to watch out for potholes and debris while cycling as these can cause accidents or damage your bike if not avoided properly. Also be mindful of your surroundings at all times by scanning ahead for potential hazards such as gravel patches or large cracks in the road surface which could cause a crash if ridden over too quickly. 

By following these simple tips for staying safe on the roads while cycling – being visible to drivers; following traffic laws; watching out for potholes and debris – cyclists can enjoy their rides without worrying about their safety.

Key Takeaway: Key takeaway: To stay safe while cycling, be visible to drivers, obey traffic laws, and watch out for hazards such as potholes and debris. List elements: Wear bright colours; use lights at night; reflective clothing accessories; follow traffic laws; yield to pedestrians; use hand signals when turning or stopping; scan ahead for potential hazards.

Conclusion

As cyclists, it is important to take the necessary precautions when riding in the spring. Bike maintenance should be done regularly and protective gear should always be worn while cycling. Additionally, following road safety tips such as being aware of your surroundings and obeying traffic laws can help ensure a safe ride for all. By taking these steps, we can make sure that bike safety in the spring is a priority for everyone on the roads.

With spring fast approaching, cyclists need to be more aware of their surroundings and the potential dangers on the roads. Cycle SOS is dedicated to making sure that everyone who cycles has a safe journey this season. We urge all cyclists to take extra precautions when riding; such as wearing helmets, reflective clothing, and following traffic rules at all times. Together we can make cycling safer for everyone – join us in advocating for bike safety initiatives so our streets become even safer!

For more information about our services or to start your claim, call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here 24/7 to help. You can also 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.