Keeping Safe when Cycling in the Winter

SOUTHAMPTON, England, October 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The winter months are drawing closer and most of us will have already noticed it getting colder and darker. A number of cyclists will be thinking about putting their bike away until the weather perks up. However, a large number of cycling enthusiasts will not want to give up cycling just yet. Winter cycling can push your endurance, but can be very enjoyable and liberating!

Dereck Pickering , Operations Manager at Cycle Stuff Direct, explains: "It's essential that cyclists ensure that their bicycles are maintained properly, and now is a good time to do this. It is important to make sure the brakes are correctly adjusted and responsive and the tyres are checked more regularly for surface cuts as well as pressure. It is also best to clean it more often to prevent corrosion from the salt and slush on the road."

Cyclists should also keep themselves safe on the roads by wearing bright and reflective clothes in order to ensure they are visible. It would also be good to wear the correct layers including a wicking base layer, warm mid-layer and a windproof jacket - and don't forget your extremities, so windproof cycling gloves and overshoes are a good addition to the wardrobe.

It's also essential to make sure that the bicycle lights are working. Legally, bike users must have a white front light, a rear red light as well as a rear red reflector and amber reflectors on the pedals, when cycling at night or in poor visibility.  

Ice and snow is usually where commuters will draw the line and use public transport, but if you still don't want to put your bike away, shops will usually stock special winter tyres with metal inserts to help with traction.  

There are many benefits to carrying on cycling over the winter. Cold weather cycling is generally at a lower intensity, ideal for building endurance levels and burning body fat. It can even boost your vitamin D levels, which offers a whole host of physical and mental health benefits. Most of all - enjoy yourself!

Contact:

Dereck Pickering
dereckp@cyclesd.com
+44(0)2380-658-708

SOURCE Cycle Stuff Direct