Winter Riding - Take Care!

Riding anytime of the year demands caution, however Winter in particular can be treacherous.

Almost half of Britain’s motorcyclists say that riding on Winter roads is one of the worst aspects of motorcycling. Below are some helpful hints together with some of the common hazards that bikers may face during the Winter months.

Respect the Winter

From the Autumn storms, when rain falls on roads which have accumulated grease and oil all Summer, to the treacherous black ice of Winter frosts, the riding conditions in Winter demand your utmost respect.

The simple advice is to take it easy. In Winter the conditions need as much care as you can muster. Not only will there be much less grip on wet and icy roads, you will also be challenged by the wind and the rain as you ride along. So use your lane, and give yourself space to adapt, adjust and slow down.

Remember, in sub-zero temperatures, braking distances can be up to 10 times the normal distance.

And driving in snow blizzard conditions or fog, can be mesmerising. Maintain an active eye scanning routine. Varying focal responses will keep you alert and maintain points of reference.

It’s not just you!

It’s worth remembering that poor conditions affect everyone else around you too.

Motorists, who struggle to see bikes at the best of times, are even less likely to see you when their windows are misted up.

Even pedestrians become a real hazard. Most wear dark clothing in winter that is hard to see against shops and street lights. Hats, hoods and umbrellas, along with bowing their heads to the rain or hunching up against the cold, leave pedestrians prone to reducing their field of vision which can result in them walking out in front of you without looking properly.

More snow?

If a vehicle in front hasn’t cleared all the snow from their roof or bonnet, it could break loose at speed and create a problem for you. Hang back and allow yourself time and space to react.

Watch those roads

Increase the braking distance between you and other vehicles to account for wet and greasy road conditions. By increasing your distance you will get minimal spray from other vehicles and will be able to judge and anticipate other road users driving much easier.

Watch out for wet leaves on the road, metal studs and white lines too. These can make the surface slippery and could make you lose control.

Vision

Bad weather such as snow and fog, or even low winter sun can obviously restrict your view. Be aware too that lighting levels may change in and out of urban areas and this can affect your night vision. Be aware of your vision - ride to suit the conditions.

Signal earlier

Signal earlier to give as much notice as possible to other road users of your intentions.

Lights

Check your lights regularly to make sure they are working but also ensure they are clean and clear of

dirt or ice.

Tyres

Tread compound in most tyres will harden when the temperature drops below 7C, giving you less grip.

Remember to check your tyre pressure and the tread depth.

Mirrors and Visors

Make sure they are clean and clear of dirt and ice. Consider using anti-misting spray on your visor and mirrors.

Strong winds

Be aware of hazardous objects being swept onto the roads such as carrier bags, boxes, branches of trees, cones etc.

Winter Riding - Take Care!