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Top Tips to Ensure You Cycle Safe This Winter

Staff at a bike repair and recycling shop have issued top tips on how to ensure you cycle safe this winter.

Cyclists need to prepare for early dark skies and icy roads in the lead up to colder weather, and the team at the Recycles has just the advice they need.

Based in Swindon, Wiltshire Recycles is a Salvation Army-run venture that offers bike repair and recycling in one shop.

The campaign, ‘Be bright, be safe and be seen’ is being spearheaded by Chloe Kirwan who manages the shop and the rest of her team.

Chloe said: "Being a community-minded bunch, we at Recycles wanted to show our appreciation and give something back to the people of Swindon for their support over the years, so we decided to run a safe winter cycling campaign.

"We asked the team for some top tips and they came up with some great advice aimed at cyclists of all ages in Swindon to help them stay safe during the dark winter months and it's a privilege to be sharing this information with our local community with our ‘Be bright, be safe and be seen’ campaign”

'Be bright, be safe, be seen'

**Get some lights for your bicycle **

Being seen on the road is vital during the dark winter months.

Make sure you’ve got and are using lights on your bicycle and wear reflective or high visibility clothing to make it easier for motorists to see you.

Always wear a helmet

Bicycle helmets can save your life in an accident – it’s that simple.

The Recycles team recommends replacing you helmet every three to five years, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Look after your tyres

Check your tyres regularly and make sure they are pumped up and in good condition.

If in doubt, speak to your local bicycle shop about the minimum recommended tyre pressure as this can help you grip to the road during the winter months.