There are only a few diehard cyclists among us who are willing to brave the cold and treacherous roads for an exhilarating winter bike ride, but they are out there and as important as it is to avoid a Connecticut bicycle accident during peak cycling months, it’s just as important to have the tools and skills necessary to do so if you’re out riding during the winter. When the seasons change in Connecticut it can be challenging to get outside on your bicycle, but if you’re up for it it can be one of the best times to ride.
If you are one of the brave among us who venture out on a cold winter day, you will want to hit the road prepared with some additional safety tips that you generally don’t need when the weather is warm and inviting. Of course, one of the most important things you can do to have an enjoyable ride in the winter is to dress appropriately. It can be hard to find clothes that will both keep you warm and be able to keep from getting caught in your gears, but it can be done. You will likely need specialized gear before you even think about hitting the road.
Keeping yourself warm and comfortable while riding is one good first step to take to make sure you are safe on the road. If you are not comfortable you will not be at your most alert which is critical to your safety on two wheels during every season, but especially so during the winter months. Getting yourself ready is important, but equally important is getting your equipment ready. The following things should be addressed on your bike before you head out.
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Tires. You should not be riding in the winter months on the same tires that you are riding during the summer. Just like in a car you want to switch out your all season tires for some heavier duty winter tires, you will want to do the same thing on your bike. You may not need to put big thick tires on your bike, but adding some treads to your road tires is a good idea if you’re going to be buzzing along quickly on roads that have the potential to be slick.
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Check and change your brake pads. You do not want to head out with old and run down brake pads, especially when you may have even more need for them in the winter. You should double check that your brake pads are working well and that you’re able to stop easily with the pads you currently have on your bike. If you cannot, you should replace them before your first ride.
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Lighting. You may not generally think about lighting on your bike, but if you’re riding in the winter that means you will likely be riding in darker conditions. Whether it’s the gray of the winter sky or the dark of the early evening hours, your bike will need to be able to be spotted when visibility is low. Outfitting your ride with headlamps and tail lights as well as a blinker system will keep you safe as you ride around town and especially on long rides.
Once you have taken care of your physical safety and comfort and you have worked to upgrade the equipment on your bike, you are ready to head out on your first winter bike journey. Riding safely is the best way to protect yourself from a Connecticut bicycle accident, but even if you are careful there are so many more hazards on the road in the winter than there are in other months, so it is incumbent upon you to be careful while you’re out there.
If you enjoy riding in the winter, but you’ve gotten injured on a ride, you may wish to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact our office and one of our attorneys will get back to you as they have seen many situations that could compare to the one you’re facing and they can help you protect your long-term interests.
