{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Alanah Reid, Creative Content Producer","standfirst":"Now our daylight hours are shorter, it\u2019s even more important to stay safe when you\u2019re cycling. Here are our top safety tips for cycling in dark and cold weather.","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EAutumn is now here, along with a chill in the air, frost on the ground and darker days. Especially if you ride a bike, it\u2019s important to be extra careful when you\u2019re out and about.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWith our partners \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGO Outdoors\u003C/a\u003E, we\u2019ve created some top cycling tips for the autumn and winter months so you can keep cycling all year round.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETake a look at our guidance on \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/off-road-cycling/cycling/\u0022 title=\u0022Cycling\u0022\u003ECycling\u003C/a\u003E in Scouts, including \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/road-cycling/\u0022 title=\u0022Road cycling\u0022\u003ERoad Cycling\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/night-riders/\u0022 title=\u0022Night riders\u0022\u003ENight Riding\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/pvgfszxk/a-beaver-cycling-with-a-go-outdoors-volunteer.jpg","width":6000,"height":4000,"altText":"A Beaver is wearing a blue Beavers polo shirt and a blue helmet and is riding a bike on grass. To the right of her is a GO Outdoors volunteer holding onto her handlebars with his right hand. There are two red cones on the grass just behind them, and there are two other Scouts and a volunteer in the background to the left of them.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E1. You must use bike lights and reflectors\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBefore setting out on your next ride, make sure your bike has lights set up and check they\u2019re working.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENot only do bike lights help your visibility, but you\u2019re also legally required to have them when you\u2019re out between sunset and sunrise. Even if you think you might not be riding in the dark, it\u2019s much better to be prepared \u2013 you never know when your plans might change.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt night, you legally \u003Cstrong\u003Emust\u003C/strong\u003E have and use white front and red rear lights, as well as\u0026nbsp;a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors. White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFlashing lights are permitted, but it\u2019s recommended to use a steady front lamp in areas without street lighting.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E2. Check your brakes and tyres\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENo matter the season, you should regularly check that both bike brakes are working properly. It\u0027s important to get them fixed before you head out on your next ride if they\u2019re not working as well as usual.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChecking your brakes is especially important during autumn and winter, when there might be frost or ice on the ground. When it\u2019s more slippery, it takes longer for us to brake and come to a stop, putting us at more risk of a collision.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUsing both brakes is much safer than using just one, as you might skid or go over your handlebars.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember to also check your tyres have enough tread to help your wheels grip and brake safely. You should change them if they\u2019re looking a little worn. The tread on tyres can help with grip when it\u2019s damp, wet or muddy.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E3. Put on some reflective/luminous clothing\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s always important to be visible as possible to all road users, so throw on some reflective and luminous clothing.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELuminous, bright colours can make it much easier for you to be seen in the day, with reflective high-visibility clothing helping you be seen at night. There are plenty of different high-visibility items to choose from, including jackets, helmets, rucksacks, reflective bands and gloves.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGloves in colder weather are a great addition too, because keeping your hands warm means you\u2019re always able to use your brakes, gears and handlebars easily.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E4. Change your road position\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you move out slightly further when you\u2019re passing a junction, you\u2019ll be able to see better, and drivers will have more chance of seeing you. Keep an eye on other drivers and make sure they\u2019ve seen you before you make a turn.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/m4tpbejj/a-beaver-cyling-with-a-go-outdoors-volunteer-2.jpg","width":6000,"height":4000,"altText":"A Beaver is wearing a blue Beavers polo shirt and a black helmet and is riding a purple bike on grass. To the left of him is a GO Outdoors volunteer holding onto his handlebars with his right hand. There are cones on the grass behind them, and there are other Scouts in the background to the left of them.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E5. Make your signals visible\u00A0\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMaking visible signals, such as indicating a turn, is where using high-visibility gloves can be useful, as it\u0027s easier for the hand signal to be seen. It\u2019s important to make your signals extra clear, longer and visible in darker conditions. You can try to stick your arm out further, signal more in advance and wear something reflective to help make your signal clearer.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E6. Be extra wary of turning vehicles\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways keep an eye out for turning vehicles, especially in the dark. Lots of collisions happen when a driver is turning left and there\u2019s a cyclist alongside them. Even if the driver isn\u2019t indicating, make sure you approach with caution and hang back until you\u2019re completely sure which way they\u2019re turning. Let them go ahead before you proceed \u2013 don\u2019t try to undertake them.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E7. Always follow the Highway Code\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen the weather conditions change, it\u2019s a great time to remind yourself of the Highway Code. Follow all stop and give way signs, and always stop at red lights.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E8. Use cycle lanes and joint cycleways\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s always best to use well-lit cycle lanes or joint pedestrian/cyclists pavements if the area has them and you feel safe to do so. They\u2019re usually easier to ride on, as they\u2019re fewer obstructions or obstacles, such as moving traffic, potholes and parked cars. Remember to always give way to pedestrians on shared cycleways.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"See our GO Outdoors supported badges and activities","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECheck out these exciting cycling activities, with thanks to GO Outdoors. You could even work towards your Cyclist Activity Badge. Always remember to safely plan and risk assess any activities you choose.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"GO Outdoors","id":null,"url":"/supporters/go-outdoors/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#002f6c","title":"Cycle away with our GO Outdoors activities","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/oytejlzt/a-beaver-scout-cycling-on-a-field.jpg","width":6000,"height":4000,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETake a look at our guidance on \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/off-road-cycling/cycling/\u0022 title=\u0022Cycling\u0022\u003ECycling\u003C/a\u003E in Scouts, including \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/road-cycling/\u0022 title=\u0022Road cycling\u0022\u003ERoad Cycling\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/night-riders/\u0022 title=\u0022Night riders\u0022\u003ENight Riding\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll Scout activities must be safely managed. Always use the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/staying-safe-safety-checklist/staying-safe-leaders/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Staying Safe - Leaders\u0022\u003Esafety checklist\u003C/a\u003E to help you plan and risk assess your activity. You must complete a thorough \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and take appropriate steps to reduce risk.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways get \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/approving-activities-guidance-for-lead-volunteers/\u0022 title=\u0022Approving Activities - Guidance for Commissioners\u0022\u003Eapproval for the activity\u003C/a\u003E and have suitable\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for supervision of activities\u0022\u003Esupervision\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and an \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/intouch/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E process. You may need parents and carers to help.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are some extra things to consider when running a bike ride in Scouts, such as:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHave a safe distance between bikes: \u003C/strong\u003EMake sure a safe distance is left between bikes\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHave adults throughout the group:\u003C/strong\u003E Have responsible adults at the front, back and at regular intervals throughout the group.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKnow the Highway Code: \u003C/strong\u003EActivity leaders should make sure they have up-to-date knowledge of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82\u0022\u003EHighway code\u003C/a\u003E and the \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.cyclinguk.org/safer-highway-code-cyclists\u0022\u003ESafer Highway Code for Cyclists\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECheck for permits:\u003C/strong\u003E You may need an Adventurous Activity Permit for the terrain you want to cycle in.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWear protective equipment and high visibility items: \u003C/strong\u003EYou must wear helmets and high-visibility items, such as jackets. You should wear elbow and knee pads as defined by your \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022Link\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E. Make sure you have enough reflective clothing and spare PPE for everyone who\u2019s going to be taking part.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInform about where to meet and what to bring: \u003C/strong\u003EMake sure everyone knows the date, what to wear, where to meet, what to bring (such as water and snacks), and what time drop off and pick up is.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAvoid loose clothing: \u003C/strong\u003EPeople should avoid clothes that may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights when you are cycling.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECheck lights, reflectors, seats and tyres: \u003C/strong\u003ERemind everyone to make sure they have clean, working front and rear lights, clean reflectors, pumped-up tyres and a correctly fitted seat. Bikes and riders must have sufficient lights and reflective equipment. Take a look at\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.cyclinguk.org/lighting-regulations\u0022\u003Emore information on regulations about lights\u003C/a\u003E, such as how bright they need to be.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChoose an appropriate route: \u003C/strong\u003EChoose a suitable, safe and accessible route. Make sure routes are well-lit. Everyone must be able to see others and move around the area safely.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EConsider the weather: \u003C/strong\u003EDon\u2019t forget to check the forecast and be prepared for it to change. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPack first aid kits: \u003C/strong\u003EYou\u2019ll need more than several first aid kits, repair kits and sets of spare lights to be distributed between responsible adults on the ride, as well as a clear way to communicate with the group.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHave a briefing: \u003C/strong\u003EAlways brief young people on safety around roads and expected behaviour. Make sure everyone understands what they need to do while riding to keep themselves and their group safe. Remember to have regular breaks, know how many will be out on your ride and have regular headcount throughout the ride.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBorrow bikes to include everyone: \u003C/strong\u003EAsk about borrowing bikes for those who don\u2019t have one from local cycling clubs, repair shops and rental services.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Cycling","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/off-road-cycling/cycling/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Staying safe cycling in Scouts","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/yqwhw2lm/a-scout-cycling-on-a-field.jpg","width":6000,"height":4000,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"17 October 2023","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Cycling activities","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?name=cycling","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Our partnership with GO Outdoors","url":"/supporters/go-outdoors/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Cyclist Activity Badge","url":"/beavers/activity-badges/cyclist/","newWindow":false}],"relatedLinks":[],"id":77385,"nodeName":"How to stay safe cycling in autumn and winter","title":"How to stay safe cycling in autumn and winter","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/pvgfszxk/a-beaver-cycling-with-a-go-outdoors-volunteer.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1da00d3358bba20","caption":"A Beaver Cycling With A GO Outdoors Volunteer","type":"jpg","size":9292942,"width":6000,"height":4000,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"How to stay safe cycling in autumn and winter","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"With the next few months being colder and darker, we\u0027ve created some tips with GO Outdoors to help you cycle safely.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC83NzM4NSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2023/october/how-to-stay-safe-cycling-in-autumn-and-winter/"}