Staying Safe During
Autumn Riding
Dedicated riders will keep on cycling throughout all the seasons, through rain or shine and even a storm or two. Cycling in autumn can be just as fun as summer, the weather is often just as nice but maybe a little chillier and it gets darker a bit quicker. There’s plenty of ways to get around these few problems and we are here to help!
Layers, layers, layers
Don’t be afraid of too many layers; you can always take layers off but you can’t add layers that you don’t have. So as long as you have a bag when you get too hot, you can take off a layer and put it in your backpack. You can go with under layers, jumpers and coats – just remember it’s always best to be prepared!
Be Seen, Be Heard
Make sure your bike is equipped with lights and a bell. When you’re cycling home from work it’s likely that it’ll be getting dark during your journey, so it’s imperative that you’re seen by other road users and pedestrians. It’s also ideal to have a bell so that those on the road can hear you as you’re coming past.
Keep it Clean
Riding in Autumn may mean you’re cycling through more muddy puddles which could clog up in the chain and will make your bike grimy. Make sure you keep on top of cleaning your chain and keep your bike as clean as possible after each ride, this will stop you taking too many trips to the repair shop too!
Avoid Puddles on Roads You Don’t Know
This may seem a little silly… but potholes are everywhere. If you don’t know the road on your own, you don’t know what potholes you’ll be trying to avoid. Water-filled potholes are dangerous and you don’t want to be caught out on your ride to or from work. Don’t risk the fun of a puddle; you don’t want to fly over the handlebars!
Everything Waterproof
Waterproof shoes, waterproof jacket, waterproof panniers… the more waterproof the better. You never know if you’re going to get caught out in the rain in Autumn, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Good cycling gear will keep you warm and dry on your ride, particularly if you are on your way to work, you don’t want to turn up too soggy and no one wants to spend the day in the office with someone that smells like wet dog.