There’s nothing like whizzing down Oxford Road on your bike, but it’s important to take a couple of extra steps in winter to make sure you – and your bike! – stay safe this season. Make sure to also check out our articles on how to stay safe on a night out and on campus.
Give your bike an MOT!
It’s good practice to make sure your bike is roadworthy, especially with winter right around the corner. Get your bike fine-tuned at your local bike shop and ask them to check your tyres so you know they can cope with icy or snowy roads.
Whilst you’re there, invest in a good set of lights to increase your visibility and make sure that your bell is working so that you can alert others to your presence. Taking the time now will help keep you safe and save time and money in the long-run – what’s not to love about that?
Wear the right gear
Make sure you’re seen on the roads with high-vis clothing and reflective strips on your bag or rucksack. This is particularly important in winter with lower visibility in the early mornings and evenings. With the cold weather the risk of accidents increases, so we highly recommend you wear a helmet to keep yourself safe, a small change that could save your life.
Keep warm
The key to enjoying your bike rides in winter is to dress appropriately! With the temperatures dropping dig out your gloves, hat and thick socks to keep yourself cosy on your commute. It’s Manchester so it’s also a good idea to always pack a waterproof with you too for when it inevitably rains!
Brush up on your skills
Whether you’ve been cycling for five years or for five weeks, it’s always wise to brush up on your skills. Our Sustainability team have put together some top safety tips for you to check out, or take a look at our top tips from last year so you can feel confident on the road.
Looking for a bit of extra support? Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Active scheme has got you covered with free cycle courses across Manchester so you can practice your skills before you get in the saddle.
Keep your bike safe
The last thing you want at the end of the a long day is to go to unlock your bike to realise it’s not there…but we’re here to help! Campus Support and Security offer a free bike marking service to deter your bike from being stolen and offers advice on locks to keep it safe.
If this article has inspired you to start cycling then Bee Active has lots of advice on renting a bike, bike maintenance and using a Beryl Bike.