A Beginner's Guide to Commuting by Bicycle in Winter

With the boom in personal fitness and longing to spend time outside after being cooped up for 2 years, it’s no wonder commuting by bike has been so popular recently.

We’ve seen throngs of commuters taking the scenic route down Deeside way. Deeside Railway Line is recognised as Route 195 of the National Cycle Network, so Skyline Bicycles is in a fantastic location to aid this hub of activity. We recognise that cycling is a brilliant way to get your exercise in during the long freezing Scottish winter months and by building this into your daily routine you’re on the path to success!

As new cycling commuters may not have experienced winter commuting, they may not be aware of additional safety measures that should be taken. That’s why we have put together a Beginner's Guide to Cycling in Winter.

 

Step 1

Ensure your bike is in tip-top condition to avoid personal injury.
Perhaps you have a new bike that you are still getting used to, a second-hand bike that could do with a check-up or an old bike that’s been collecting dust and needs an upgrade. We offer free bike check-ups to ensure your safety and enjoyment of getting back out on your bike!

 

Step 2

High visibility in winter weather.
It feels like there are more hours spent in darkness than in light at the moment, and even on pedestrianised routes it’s best to stay cautious. Lights are the best way to alert others to your presence. By law, lights and reflectors are required on a pedal cycle between sunset and sunrise. Wearing high visibility clothing also helps you stay as safe as possible in the darkness.

Check out this link for the full extent of Lighting Regulation Law:
https://www.cyclinguk.org/lighting-regulations

If you find yourself lacking in confidence, pop down to our workshop in Cults to pick the brains of our bike specialists who would be more than happy to give you advice and fit out your bike with the required safety equipment for a competitive price.

 

Step 3

Keeping yourself and your bike safe.

When you have finished your commute, it is still important to lock up your bike to keep it safe. This applies to storing in open areas, private property and storage facilities – always better to be safe than sorry! Generally, a standard U shaped bike lock will do the job, looping through the back tire spokes and the frame of the bike. For an extra level of safety, combine this with a wire lock through the front tyre spokes and through the front of the bike frame. When locking a bike to an object or bike rack, loop the lock through the back tyre spokes, around the object or bike rack and through the bike frame.
If you are in the market for a new lock, we stock many options online or if you feel like you need some guidance pop down to our workshop in Cults and the guys will be more than happy to guide you.

 

You can find us here:

Station Building, Station Road, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9NP

Facebook/Instagram: @skylinecycles

 

You can contact us here:

01224 861 891
info@skylinebicycles.co.uk

 

You can shop our products here:

https://skylinebicycles.co.uk

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Other Helpful Links

Lighting Regulation Law:
https://www.cyclinguk.org/lighting-regulations

Buy Bike Lights:
https://skylinebicycles.co.uk/collections/bike-lights

Buy Maintenance Products:
https://skylinebicycles.co.uk/collections/maintenance-products