Cycling can be an excellent way to get more exercise and reduce your carbon footprint, but it can also be dangerous. Unsurprisingly, the weather does not always cooperate, and slick, rainy roads may keep even the most ardent bikers away from their bikes.

Bicycle accident statistics indicate that cyclists can be injured more often during specific periods or climate types in some cities. Here are some ways avid cyclists can practice road safety and keep their health up.

How to Cycle in the Rain

Cycling in the rain is obviously riskier than riding on a dry day. You must take appropriate measures to ride as safely as possible in severe conditions.

Rainy weather should not discourage you from cycling to work or anywhere else you need to go, primarily if you use that time to connect you and your children with nature. However, you should be aware of the hazards so that you can avoid any sort of mishap.

Hazards such as slick roads, vehicles having a more challenging time seeing you, and puddles are just a few examples of cyclists’ experiences when riding on a rainy day. Below are a few tips for cycling safely in the rain.

Wear a Waterproof Jacket and Tights

A jacket is the most crucial piece of rain gear to have. A decent waterproof jacket will not only keep your torso dry but will also help you regulate your body temperature.

The best material to use when cycling in the rain is GoreTex, which is both waterproof and breathable. Breathable fabric is required to avoid overheating.

Although it’s obvious to keep your shirt dry while it’s raining, you should also think about your legs. Cycling in the cold and damp makes it more difficult for muscles to function at their best, and as a result, your performance may decline. It’s a good idea to keep your legs bundled up.

A pair of waterproof pants may be the best choice for commuting, as they can be worn over everyday riding gear or casual attire as needed. You don’t want them fluttering in the wind or getting stuck in the drivetrain, so they need to fit well.

Avoid Riding Through Puddles on New Roads

Riding over puddles may appear to be a cool concept initially, but it won’t be nearly as much fun if you’re sent soaring over your bike. Since the reflection on the water may easily hide potholes or bumps in the road, puddle hopping is best reserved for roads you’re familiar with.

Use Mudguards While Cycling

Mudguards are meant to keep you safe from road splash from the wheels, and they may make a dramatic impact in keeping you dry.

Although you will get soaked from the downpour, mudguards can keep your feet, legs, and bottom dry when splashing through pools of water. They also keep mud and other road debris off yourself and your bike.

Mudguards range from basic plastic clip-on fenders to full-length mudguards.

• The plastic clip-on mudguards provide little protection but can be easily installed on any bike.
• A full-length mudguard offers the most protection since it covers a more significant portion of the wheel and steers in lockstep with the front wheel.

How to Cycle in the Winter

If you are adequately equipped for the weather and riding conditions, the arrival of winter should not keep you from cycling. Either way, here is some advice to help with winter riding.

• Wear Windproof Thermals

Clothing is, of course, the most obvious and perhaps most significant component in winter weather riding. On rides, the appropriate windproof, thermal, and waterproof clothing can keep you dry and toasty to the point that you don’t even know it’s chilly.

It’s tempting to bundle up in heavy fleeces and waterproofs to keep warm, but keep in mind that they’ll make you sweat even if the temperature is below freezing. Sweat might collect under your clothes, leaving you damp, chilly, and clammy.

Use cycling-specific apparel since clothing designed for other sports may not fit properly or have the necessary moisture-wicking qualities.

• Get Winter Tires for Your Bike

Choose tires that are both puncture-resistant and long-lasting. The Continental Gatorskins are a crowd favorite for winter riding, although similar types are available from various tire manufacturers.

Tubeless and solid tires are also available, although they are generally more costly and challenging to install than standard tires and tubes.

• Use Lights on Your Bicycle

Since it will get quite dark on cloudy winter days, using lights in the winter is probably more necessary than in any other season. Small, bright rechargeable LED lights are widely available and don’t cost a fortune.

Having lights on you at all times also eliminates the fear of being trapped in the dark during the shorter days of winter. Before each ride, make sure your lights are charged (or that you have new batteries).

How to Cycle in Severe Heat

Even though it’s hot outside, you can still enjoy cycling if you take specific measures to avoid overheating and dehydration. Riding in the heat may seem more attractive than heading out on a dreary winter day, but it comes with its own set of problems as your body adjusts to the extreme heat.

• Stay Hydrated Before, During, and After Cycling

Maintaining enough hydration is one of the most challenging aspects of riding in hot conditions. As your body attempts to cool itself, you will sweat more, but that perspiration will evaporate rapidly, making it difficult to determine how much fluid you are losing.

When cycling, drink a little but drink frequently, and make sure you have enough water with you or know of sites along your route where you can get extra.

• Wear Cool Clothing and Protective Eyewear

Lightweight fabrics with wicking qualities will help you stay cool and prevent sweat from building up.

A full-length front zip can help you manage your temperature, and a light bottom layer can help with perspiration absorption and evaporation. The air you generate as you ride has its own cooling effect, and it’s only after you stop riding that you realize it’s scorching out.

A pair of well-fitting shorts is also vital; any rubbing on your delicate areas, aggravated by moisture, can rapidly result in unpleasant irritation.

Additionally, before a ride, saddle cream might be beneficial. You should also wear sunglasses with 100% UV filtering lenses to protect your eyes from harm and to keep dust, bugs, and flies out of your eyes.

• Cycle in the Morning or Evening

There is plenty of daylight in the summer, so riding early or late in the day may keep you cool while avoiding many of the dangers caused by the heat.

Riding early in the morning or late in the evening has its own advantages, such as calmer roads and the opportunity to see wildlife that is often concealed when the sun climbs higher in the sky.

If you’re going for a ride in the evening, make sure you have lights if you get caught when the sun sets. Also, if the weather cools down at sunset, bringing a light windbreaker for an evening ride could be a brilliant idea.

Why You Should Cycle During Every Season

Cycling circulates blood more quickly throughout your body, allowing endorphins and other feel-good chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin to spread more rapidly.

Steady exercise can also help you qualify for better rates on health and life insurance.

It encourages good physical and mental wellness, which is helpful if working from home during the pandemic has affected your well-being.

With that in mind, you shouldn’t give up this healthy activity just because of bad weather. Cycling during any type of weather is 100% possible if you take the precautions needed to stay safe.

What are your tips for cycling safely?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

About the Author

Imani Francies writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsurance.org. She frequently analyzes biking statistics to help cyclists make wise decisions while traveling on the roads.

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