Cycling is a brilliant way to exercise, enhance your commute or enjoy the great outdoors, with Londoners making well over a million daily journeys on average. But the British weather doesn’t always collaborate when you are commuting. Rain, wind and snow can make cycling dangerous if you’re not properly prepared, and even if you think you are. Here’s how to stay safe.

Knowing when not to ride

There are some days when the risk simply isn’t worth it. While cycling is possible in most light rain, certain adverse weather conditions mean it’s safer to leave the bike at home.

Black ice, extreme wind gusts and heavy snowfall create unpredictable conditions that will test even the most experienced cyclists. If visibility is poor or road surfaces are dangerous, think about postponing or cancelling your ride.

No amount of gear or skill can completely mitigate the challenges of extreme conditions. It’s not all about you on the bike, either. Other road users may be a greater threat to you on these days. It’s better to be cautious than risk a serious accident and possibly a brain injury claim down the line.

Wearing the right gear

The right gear is critical if you’re taking on tough riding conditions. Waterproof clothing is essential to help you stay dry, although hoods on jackets can impair your peripheral vision and blow off anyway so can be distracting. Gloves and overshoes are equally important to keep your hands and feet warm on cold and blustery days. Wool keeps you warm even when wet, so is the best budget option.

It’s good to layer throughout the year, too. Moisture-wicking fabrics are the best for base layers to help you stay cool or warm and avoid excess sweat, although regular cyclists like couriers suggest wearing shorts.

Most importantly, always wear a helmet. Whether you’re on roads, cycle paths or trails, it’s there to keep you alive. A cycling cap underneath can keep water off your face, which is very useful for any glasses wearers (anti-fog spray stops them misting up). An alternative is a magnetic visor.

Finally, in heavy rain visibility for other road users will be impacted, which combined with wet roads can be dangerous. So wear high-vis reflective outfits and use the bike lanes for extra safety.

But please don’t rely on your expected visibility,  the biggest threat to a cyclist is freight vehicles, with 2 out of 10 incidents caused by the HGV turning left at the time of the crash. So don’t risk cutting inside, because if rainwater has obscured the side view mirrors they may not know you are there.

It’s simple really, don’t take risks when it’s raining as it’s better to be late than not get there at all. You can be as safe as you like, by you are relying on other motorists and pedestrians to be aware of you, which is rare. Every trip I have to watch out for an errant pedestrian stepping out between parked cars into the road with an umbrella obscuring their vision.

fast traffic in rain

Traffic will move fast despite wet conditions so use the cycle lane where possible, and avoid undercutting large vehicles

Cycling in the rain

We get enough rain here in the UK. Wet roads reduce traction, making it harder to brake and corner safely. Braking distances normally double in the wet weather so consider:

  • Lowering your tyre pressure slightly to increase surface contact with the road (grip)
  • Slowing down and allowing extra distance between yourself and vehicles or other cyclists
  • Being extra cautious over drains or manhole covers which become extra slippery when wet
  • Road markings are made from thermoplastic and can be quite slick when wet so watch the brakes on these
  • Investing in a set of full mudguards to keep water from spraying upwards as you ride

And remember, puddles could be concealing potholes.

Cycling in snow

Snow tends to require even more caution than rain, so it’s lucky we don’t have it that often. The key is to keep your movements smooth and steady. Sudden braking or sharp turns can easily cause you to lose control. Try:

  • Using winter tyres with better tread to maximise grip
  • Avoiding riding on compacted snow or icy patches – choose a safer route
  • Postpone your ride if conditions are too treacherous

riding bike in snow

Cycling in strong winds

Maintaining balance in strong winds is hard. You must keep a firm grip on your handlebars and lower your body to reduce wind resistance. Make sure you:

  • Avoid cycling close to large vehicles like lorries during crosswinds
  • Avoid flappy clothing that will catch the wind
  • Prepare to adjust your balance and direction swiftly

If you love cycling, you’ll no doubt want to be out there in sun, rain, wind or snow. Just be careful and assess the risks before you do. There are question marks on how safe it is to cycle in London as it is, so take extra caution in bad weather.