Cycling Safely: Three Tips for Fall Riding
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Here are a few easy ways to make your fall and winter riding more comfortable and safe:
Slow Down
Here in the Pacific Northwest it takes only a day or two of precipitation before road surfaces become slick with mildew and moss. Slow down and exercise greater caution when riding across painted road lines, wet leaves, or uneven road surfaces. Always cross train tracks as perpendicular to the rails as possible to minimize contact with the metal.
Wet weather riding requires greater stopping power and it also wears out pads faster than dry conditions. If you haven't serviced your brakes in awhile, now's the time to make sure they are in good operating condition.
Light Up
Always run a blinking headlight and taillight—even during the day—for visibility. Drivers are often distracted and gloomy, rainy days reduce visibility. Consider adding extra blinkie lights to your setup. Many bicycle light companies offer high-powered, lightweight blinkies that attach easily to a handlebar, seatpost, saddle bag, or helmet. These lights don’t have enough firepower to illuminate your path of travel, but the flashing LEDs will make you much more visible to motorists in all conditions.
Reflect Respect
Many clothing manufacturers are utilizing reflective materials in their outerwear but also help you to be seen. Showers Pass apparel, headquartered in SE Portland, offer an array of high-visibility weather-worthy jackets and pants that not only protect you from the elements, but also help you to be seen.
Another inexpensive way to take your self reflection a step further, is to affix reflective stickers to your bike, bags, racks, rims, helmets or shoes…or anywhere else you can get them to stick.
In general, be extra cautious and extra visible: With the right gear you can safely and comfortably make the most of our mild weather and keep spinning your wheels year-round.
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