Eight ways for women to feel more comfortable cycling this winter

In my final year of university – whatever the weather – I’d cycle onto campus, embracing my second (or more realistically, fifth) hand bike. At 3 miles, the journey was too far to walk, too inconvenient to drive. Now, working remotely, I miss cycle commuting.

I ride my road bike often and enjoy exploring a nearby trail with my partner on our pretty creaky mountain bikes. But as a woman, as winter nears, it can be tempting to lock the bike in the garage and leave it there until spring.

I have an indoor turbo trainer, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m on that more than the roads. But there’s something incomparable about riding outside, even in winter, and if you take the right precautions, it can be just as enjoyable as cycling in the sunnier months.

1. Social safety

Cycling in the dark feels more unsafe than cycling in daylight, and for this reason many women give up cycling after dark in the winter. But there are precautions you can take.

Plan routes that are busier and well-lit rather than taking quiet, isolated roads. Ride with friends or joining a group. Cycling UK has a Women in Cycling Facebook group with more than 7,000 members: you may find a cycle buddy there.

Make sure you have lights, and don’t use noise-cancelling headphones. Report any incidents and make sure someone knows where you’re going. Ring someone if you feel unsafe and consider sharing your live location.

I used to cycle in the dark. Apart from getting out of my street, the route was busy and well-lit. There was an underpass I’d seen groups hovering around before, so I always went a different way. I never felt unsafe.

2. Bad weather

Everyone’s favourite thing about winter! Safety first: if there’s black ice, snow or awful wind and rain, cycling may be unsafe. You can stay safe cycling on icy roads, and you should make the decision based on your own abilities.

If it’s your typical sort of British winter weather, there are measures you can take to feel more comfortable.

Layer up. Good gloves are a must, and I love a buff which can be put around your forehead or neck/mouth. Wear warm socks, and a windproof, waterproof jacket.

Ride more slowly than usual. In wet or icy conditions when the ground is slippery, braking distance can double, so give yourself plenty of time to brake. Letting some air out of your tyres can help with grip on the road. Also, check out Cycling UK’s more in-depth advice for cycling throughout autumn and winter.

3. Reduced motivation

On a cold, dark morning, the last thing many of us want to do is cycle. But the phrase ‘getting out of the door is the hardest bit’ is true a lot of the time, especially if you consider the advice here.

The feeling of getting warm after is immensely satisfying, and the sense of accomplishment gives you a little win regardless of how the rest of your day goes. Even if it’s just 10 minutes, cycling is a great way to clear your mind and stretch your body. You’ll feel better for it!

Watching the sun rise while cycling is one of my favourite things. Often in winter, if I start cycling in low light, I get a beautiful sunrise. Worth the initial discomfort.

4. Logistical issues

I hate cleaning my bike, but know if I don’t, winter conditions will send me and my rusting components on a premature trip to the bike shop. Plan in when you’ll clean your bike: maybe at the weekend when you have more time.

Donning all the gear takes longer in winter than summer when a top and shorts suffice. This can be even more inconvenient if commuting. Can you leave work clothes at the office over night to reduce luggage? Opt for warm, compact garments. Take a bag for anything that gets wet.

5. Cultural norms

Cycling is becoming much more common, but some people may raise an eyebrow at winter riding. Personally, I love the sense of accomplishment and moments of peace I get cycling, even in winter. Non-cyclists might not understand, and that’s fine!

6. Road safety

Many of the standard road safety rules apply even more in winter when conditions for drivers are worse. Make sure you’re positioned sensibly in the lane (not too near the curb, as you may need to go round debris in the road), and signal appropriately.

Make sure you’re visible. Lights are a legal requirement between sunrise and sunset, and a good idea throughout the day. Wearing reflective clothing can also help you be seen.

7. Lack of equipment

You may need extra winter equipment. Better lights, more layers, wider, treaded tyres, mudguards – the list can get quite long. I buy very little of my bike kit new. Try Facebook marketplace, eBay, Vinted, charity shops and so, where you can pick up decent stuff at low prices.

8. Lack of time

For short journeys especially, cycling can be quicker than driving due to not needing to de-ice the car and avoiding traffic.

Give yourself plenty of time: rushing increases accident risk. Take note of all the great reasons to cycle – fresh air, mental reset, seeing sunrise or sunset. It’s time well spent.

Still unsure?

I get it. I’ve been cycling for years and I still get nervous about riding outside, especially in winter. Nine in 10 women are afraid of cycling in towns and cities – you’re not alone.

Cycling UK is determined to change this. Through ‘My ride. Our right’, they’re campaigning for safer streets. This includes delivering a letter to Downing Street asking Prime Minister Andy Burnham to improve street lighting, cycle lanes and urban planning.

The increasingly popular glow rides also took part again this year. These group rides took place all over Great Britain, with more than 3,000 people taking part in 90 rides. These colourful, community-led events shone a light on the need for safer streets and better cycle routes, especially for women.

They’re a great way to meet like-minded people, gain some confidence, and show decisionmakers that more needs to be done to make cycling feel safe and accessible to all. They’ll be back next year so keep an eye out for information around the time the clocks go back. I hope to see some of you on one next year!