Cycling 101: How to Stay Safe During the Winter

Cyclists are a different breed. When the cold creeps in and everyone else heads inside, cyclists head out onto frosty roads — often with a sense of glee. Like we said, they’re a different breed.

But sometimes that resilient mindset can come at the expense of diligence and safety. Balancing that determination with prep and planning is essential; from bike safety basics (like bike lights and winter tires) to staying informed of weather patterns, and knowing when to call it a day, a lot goes into staying safe during winter cycling. 

Tip #1: Layer up for warmth and protection, but don’t forget visibility

The quest for bike safety when winter cycling starts way before you set out on the road. A good jumping off point is selecting the optimal clothing for your winter rides. 

Two things come into play here. You want to ensure that your clothing keeps you warm, and protects you from harsh conditions. However, packing on too many layers, or overly thick items of clothing, can lead to overheating, affecting performance. 

With that in mind, you should think of your clothing options in terms of three layers:

• Base layer: should be thin, light and comfortable to wear. Moisture-wicking materials like Merino wool and polyester work well.

• Middle layer: this is your ‘warmth’ layer, so you’ll want something that’s thicker than the inner and outer layer, like a fleece.

• Outer layer: this will be your guardian against the elements, so a windproof / waterproof jacket (one that’s still light in weight) will serve. 

If you can find clothing that’s also reflective, that’s great. If not, reflective armbands, reflective bike tape, and things of that nature can do the job. But your best bet is a bike light…

Tip #2: Bike lights = increased visibility, increased bike safety

In those cold, darkening  winter months, it’s not just the temperature that drops — your visibility goes down too. Cyclists should always prioritise being visible on the roads, but that becomes even more important as we edge into a season where the majority of riding will be done in the dark. 

When it comes to bike safety gear for visibility, bike lights come out on top. As we’ve said, getting clothing or accessories that are inherently reflective is great, too — but bike lights are the gold standard when it comes to being seen, and they shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Tip #3: Get the right bike safety gear to stay safe (and dry)

It’s not just your person that you need to kit out — ensuring your bike has the right adaptations is important, too. While the following suggestions aren’t absolutely critical if you want to get out cycling in winter, they are your best bet to riding safe. 

• Tyres: consider swapping out your normal road tires for specialised winter tyres. These wider options will have better grip, which means better traction on wet, or icy roads. 

• Mudguards: you don’t want mud or water on you at the best of times, but when winter hits, getting hit with a blast of slush can force you back inside. Choose a durable mudguard to protect you from cold, debilitating road splashes. 

Tip #4: Eat good, ride better

The correct nutrition is important for any cyclist, regardless of skill level. Not only does it lead to more optimal performance and better recovery, a well-fed, well-hydrated cyclist is less likely to make mistakes — which is important in winter, where constant vigilance is key on the roads. 

The general rules apply here: a mix of complex carbs, healthy fats and protein about 2-3 hours before you ride. But considering our bodies burn through more calories during winter cycling — during a process called ‘non-shivering thermogenesis’, where the body burns fat to generate heat — some tweaks to the formula should be applied. 

• Eat more: your body will need more calories during winter rides, so oblige it. Up your calories by 100-200 in anticipation of that increased calorie burn, but make sure those food sources remain clean for optimal performance. 

• Increase fat intake: you could fill those extra calories with healthy fats, because that’s what the body will be drawing on to maintain heat. Healthy fats like pure peanut butter, avocados, and olive oil are all solid picks. 

For a more detailed breakdown of what foods to fuel with (and when), click the link. 

Tip #5: Check the weather, prepare accordingly — and know when to call it a day

Apart from relying on your own senses to appraise the temperature, the levels of wind, and how slippery the roads are, you should make use of weather apps to get a higher-level appraisal of the conditions you’ll be facing. 

For example, the weather might seem ok when you step outside, but the forecast might predict a sudden shift in wind patterns, or a deluge of snow, or a precipitous drop that makes those slippery pockets even more dangerous. 

One crucial skill as a winter cyclist is being able to make informed decisions on whether or not it’s a good idea to go out at all — never be too proud / headstrong to recognise that tomorrow might offer a safer ride. 

Bike safety in the winter: important to get right

When you really break it down, staying safe during the winter when cycling isn’t too complicated. Get the right protective gear, for you and your bike, make sure you can be seen, eat well, and stay as informed as possible. 

It’s good that it’s not too complex, because it’s incredibly important! With that being said, are there any tips we’ve missed? Let us know down in the comments below. 

And if you want more general tips for how to stay safe while cycling on the road, click the link.