How to stay safe on your adult trike in the winter

Around this time of year when the clocks go back and the days get shorter, there is an increase in fatal road accidents.

Whether you're commuting, running errands, or enjoying a leisurely ride, here are some ways you can stay safe while cycling in the winter.

Tips for cycling in the cold weather

In these coming months, cyclists have to battle some pretty treacherous weather conditions. The looming colder and rainier weather shouldn’t stop you from cycling, it might just mean you have to prepare more for a cycle to accommodate for the poor weather and riding conditions.

1. Wear waterproof clothes

Having good waterproof clothing is essential to avoid letting a bit of rain hinder your trike ride. In fact, it can even make riding in the rain a fun experience.

2. Wear layers when cycling

Wearing layers underneath your waterproof jacket means you can stay warm and dry. With layers, you're also able to add or remove clothing as needed.

3. Remember your puncture repair kit

You are more likely to get a puncture in the winter as a result of the bad weather. The wet roads create a kind of lubrication that makes it easier for sharp objects to puncture bike tyres. Packing a puncture repair kit will keep you from being stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tyre and no way to fix it!

4. Don't forget your helmet!

While it’s always important to wear a helmet, it is especially important in the Winter as there are greater hazards for cyclists.

A cycling hat can also be layered under a helmet to keep your head warm and dry as well as protected. Good quality cycling hats should be thick to provide warmth but also breathable. Cyclists usually only need this extra layer of warmth on extremely cold days!

Safety equipment for your adult trike

• Lights for your adult trike

When cycling in the dark, it's a legal requirement to have lights on your trike or bike. This includes a red light on the back of your trike or bike, as well as a white light on the front.

It's important to ensure that you have lights on your tricycle, not only to make yourself visible to other road users but also to improve your own visibility of the cycle path. This will help you navigate better and avoid any potential obstacles.

Additionally, it is a good idea to carry a spare set of lights with you in case your lights break and you find yourself cycling in the dark.

• Reflectors for your tricycle

Having reflectors on your trike or bike is not only good safety practice but also a legal requirement. You must have a minimum of one reflector on the front and rear wheel, along with four pedal reflectors. These reflectors are specifically designed to reflect light off of car headlights, helping to increase the visibility of cyclists when cycling in the dark.

• Reflective clothing

Reflective materials on clothing increase the visibility of cyclists in low-light conditions. These materials are commonly used on vests, knee and ankle banks, and gloves.

Knee and ankle bands work particularly well since these areas are constantly moving and in line of drivers' sight. Gloves are also useful as they assist in making cyclists' hand gestures visible, such as when indicating a turn.