With darker evenings and unpredictable weather, Cumbria police urged cyclists to take extra precautions to stay safe on the roads this winter.
They shared a series of vital safety tips, starting with the importance of choosing appropriate lights.
"Adorning yourself head to toe in hi-viz and as many bright lights as you can doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be more visible or able to see hazards yourself," they warned.
Instead, the advice is to use reflective clothing and ensure visible signalling to catch the attention of other road users.
"Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing can help others see you in daylight or poor light, while reflective accessories like belts or armbands increase your visibility in the dark," they explained.
As the weather worsens, cyclists are reminded to respond to conditions such as fog, mist, and blinding low sun.
"Drivers may not always have a clear view of traffic."It’s crucial to take extra care in early and late evening light," they said.Cyclists are also encouraged to rethink their road positioning, with police explaining that, if you’re out on your bike, you might need to ride further out from the kerb than usual, particularly near junctions, roundabouts and bends, so giving drivers a few extra seconds to spot you can make all the difference, they said.The police also stressed the importance of being aware of other road users: "In the same way motorists should look out for vulnerable road users, cyclists must also watch for pedestrians who might not see or hear you."And don’t forget, animals preparing for winter […]
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