All bicycles are required by law to have the following lights/reflectors:
At all times:
• A red or yellow rear reflector that is visible from a distance of 100m when light
shines on it.
When cycling at night or when visibility is poor:
• One or more steady or flashing rear-facing red lights that can be seen at night
from a distance of 100m.
• One or two white or yellow headlights that can be seen at night from a distance
of 100m.
• Yellow reflectors on each pedal, or the cyclist must wear reflective material.
Clothing
Visibility is especially important during the winter, so wear bright coloured and
reflective clothing; put reflective strips on backpacks.
• Carry or wear a rain-jacket, but make sure it is not going to get caught in the
chain or other moving parts.
• Gloves help to ensure you can maintain good handle grip in cold, wet conditions.
• Shoes with good grip help ensure control in the wet.
Look after your bike
• Check your tyres to ensure there is still good tread and consider changing tyres
to ones with more grip.
• A pre-winter service from a bike mechanic is well advised, as parts wear down
over time.
• Store your bike under cover whenever possible.
• Consider fitting mudguards - they keep you clean and also protect your bike from
dirt and grime build up.
• Clean your bike regularly.
• Keep the bike chain well lubricated with a product designed for winter conditions.
• Ensure your brake pads are still effective and not overly worn.
Ride to the conditions
• Ride slower in wet conditions to keep control.
• Maintain a good road position - don't ride in the gutter.
• Pump the brakes gently while going down hills; this will reduce the bike's speed
gradually and assist braking in the wet.
• Try not to ride over wet leaves and avoid braking and turning sharply on them.
Remember leaves and puddles may conceal broken glass or other hazards.
• Pay particular attention when riding over road markings/manhole covers as they
can be slippery when wet.
• Driving conditions are also more difficult for motorists in the wet, so pay particular
attention to their actions.
• Get a bell fitted to your bike to warn other cyclists and pedestrians of your approach.