DARKER days and cold, wet weather can put you off wanting to head out on your bike.
But cycling can save you money on the commute and keep you active, without the cost of a gym membership.
With a few simple steps you can stay safe and still cycle through winter . . .
MAINTENANCE: Make sure your bike is in good working order before hitting the road.
Halfords offers a free bike health check in stores, which takes around 30 minutes.
An expert will look over your model and ensure it is roadworthy by inspecting the frame, wheels and brake system among other areas.
Any type of bike will be looked over free of charge, including child models.
Just book online to find your nearest store.
If there are repairs needed, you will be given an estimate of costs but there is no obligation to get work carried out at Halfords.
It’s worth getting a couple of different quotes so you can compare and find the best value.
ADJUST YOUR RIDE: Check the weather forecast for when you’re planning to ride.
When it’s wet or slippery you’ll need to slow down to stay safe, so give yourself extra time for your journey.
Make sure you have bike lights on and are wearing reflective clothing, especially when dark and in low light.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE: Map out your journey before you set off. If you’re looking for new routes, try komoot.com.
You can sign up for free and find loops based on difficulty and distance.
SAFETY IN NUMBERS: Join a cycling group to meet new people and help feel safer when out cycling.
Most clubs have different groups based on the speed you are happy to ride at.
There are more than 1,000 groups affiliated with Cycling UK.
You can find your nearest at cyclinguk.org/group-listing.
Prices for joining vary, but you can expect to pay around £25 a year for membership.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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