A Winter Guide to Motorcycling Part 2
Riding through the winter - what to watch out for
Lucy England
Are you still riding your motorcycle through the winter whatever the elements throw at you? Here are some things to keep in mind if so:
1. Respect The Road
Winter is a special beast, and particularly of note if you are out in the elements on your motorcycle. Rain, snow and hail have an annoying habit of falling on winter roads, and those same roads are often already slippery from a long summer of having oil and grease dripped on them. Liquids freezing on oily tarmac can cause black ice to form on the road surface and turn it into an ice rink, so it's wise to always ride at your most frosty. Stay careful and on point at all times. It is also sensible to be prepared for wind, rain, sleet or snow in winter which can make visibility worse and mean that you are not functioning at your best due to the cold.
2. Slip Slidin' Away
Try to leave a really decent braking distance between you and other road users in winter, as slowing down might take longer on a slippery road with less grip for your tyres. If you leave longer gaps between you and other road users, it can also mean that you are out of the spray and sludge they’re throwing backwards. More time and space also gives you more time to see what other traffic is doing in reduced visibility, they could well be struggling with bad conditions too and could make mistakes. As well as wet or icy roads, they and you may have to contend with wet leaves or rubbish on the roads causing an additional hazard.
3. Rest Cure
Remember to take extra breaks in winter to warm up and give your eyes and reflexes a rest. It's sensible to make regular stops for a hot drink or some hot food to warm yourself through and raise your blood sugar so that you are more alert when you're back on the road. If you have to make a longer trip in winter give yourself extra time so that you can take more breaks along the way to stay safer.
4. See And Be Seen
Be aware that pedestrians, struggling miserably along, maybe with rain, hail or wind in their eyes, could step out in front of you. Equally drivers may have misted windscreens or be dazzled by the increasingly bright headlights from oncoming traffic reducing their visibility so they may not see you. Particularly in winter, ride as though you are invisible to compensate for others and make sure that you wear hi vis clothing and keep your lights on, to give yourself a better chance of being seen. Make eye contact with car drivers or pedestrians whenever you can to check that they really have spotted you.
5. Weather Watcher
It may sound obvious, but be aware of the weather forecast and ride accordingly. If snow or gales are forecast and you can, put off your journey and wait it out, it's the safest thing to do, discretion is the better part of valour. If you have to ride in bad conditions stay slow, keeping your eyes peeled for flying plastic bags, road cones and falling branches. Give yourself extra journey time for extra stops, and make sure that you are properly dressed for the conditions.
Any useful observations or patent tips for other riders? Share them on Facebook or email us at [email protected]. Cheers and ride safe and warm!
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