As we move toward winter and we begin to see less daylight, it’s important to stay visible when cycling.
Here we run though some of our top tips for staying safe while cycling during the autumn and winter months.
Be Seen, Be Safe
With a little preparation, cycling in the winter can be as enjoyable as the summer. However, winter often means you may be cycling to and from the University in the dark. It is therefore important that you are seen by others, especially motorists.
When cycling at night, it’s the law that all cyclists have appropriate lighting on their bikes. While flashing lights are permitted, it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady (non-flashing) front light.
It’s important to remember when buying lights that as well as helping you see in the dark, lights also make you more visible to others using the roads. In addition to bike lights, it’s also important to consider wearing bright or reflective clothing at night and in bad weather, and to ride in a position where you can see and be seen.
Always take your lights with you when you leave your residence - it may be light when you leave in the morning, but by 4.30pm it may already be dark!
You can find more information on the Highway Code for cyclists, including the recent changes on gov.uk. Sustrans also offer top tips to help keep you pedalling safely throughout autumn and winter. Read their guide to cycling in the dark here.
What the law says
When cycling at night, it’s the law that all cyclists have appropriate lighting on their bikes.
At night your cycle must have white front and red rear lights lit. It must also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen.
While flashing lights are permitted it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady (non-flashing) front light.
Find out more
More information for cyclists can be found on the Greenspace website.