The low temperatures, poor visibility and slippery road conditions can make riding difficult. But with a few measures and the right equipment, you can ride your bike safely even in winter. Here is everything you need to know.
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Winter tires for the bike
For example, there are winter tires for bicycles. According to t-online.de, experts recommend changing them, as they offer significantly better grip and more safety on icy and snowy roads. However, there is no legal obligation to use winter tires as there is when driving a car.
Unlike cars, cyclists are even allowed to use studs. Some manufacturers therefore offer special tires with metal studs that grip particularly well at low tire pressure. However, it is extremely important never to go below the minimum air pressure specified by the manufacturer on the sidewall of the tire, continues t-online.de.
For many years, studded tires have been considered the best option for winter driving. However, according to t-online, there are now other options such as siped and all-weather tires. These types of tires have a continuous center bar that allows them to roll effortlessly - so they can also be used in summer.
Read more:Stay away from this button in your car if you're driving in winter
Check everything beforehand
In the dark winter months, it is also particularly important to be clearly visible. Wear bright, reflective clothing and attach reflectors to your bike. Also use front and rear lights to ensure that you are clearly visible to other road users.
Trekking and city bikes are normally fitted with mudguards as standard, whereas mountain bikes, cross bikes and other sporty models usually do not. There is no legal obligation to do so. Nevertheless, according to the ADAC, mudguards are advisable in rain and snow in order to arrive reasonably clean.
According to the ADAC, it is also very important that cyclists give their bikes a thorough technical check at the start of the darker season. Particular attention should be paid to the brakes and gears. This is because if they freeze in sub-zero temperatures and do not function properly after starting off, this poses a serious risk.
Read more:As winter sets in, be sure to check your car to avoid £100 fine
This article has been translated from Gentside DE.
Sources used:
t-online.de: Plötzlicher Schneefall: Kleiner Trick steigert Ihre Sicherheit enorm
ADAC: Radfahren im Winter: Sicher bei Schnee und Glätte unterwegs
