Snow Ice and very cold weather
Well – first requirement is to wrap up well
and as with rain – where helmet is a real benefit.
Warms socks, shoes, gloves, and layers of clothing all help. A draught can be a numbing chill factor.
So applies to all road users – between November and March – always assume overnight frosts and ice and set out carefully. And make sure tyres have grip and inflated correctly!
Set out carefully – be relaxed and prepared for a fall.
Brake a little as possible and always on a straight – regulate speed by changing cadence. And keep the pedalling stable and gentle.
Do not be rushed or flustered by traffic and if you see ice of road ahead – keep relaxed, keep straight and steady – do not accelerate or brake or turn sharply as this will cause a skid – lost a cyclist last winter here
– through this.
If rear wheel slides
– freewheel and steer straight. If front wheel skids – again keep calm – get your body and bike upward and you may avoid a fall or simply put your left foot to ground fast.
Fresh snow is relatively easy to ride and drive on. It’s when it slushes, thaws, ridges and freezes that we have a problem If in this situation and in any doubt – only one sensible solution – walk!
We all know that driving in snow can be hypnotic - but if riding – think a peaked cap under the helmet can shield eyes from stings from snow and rain.