Dunbar Bikeability [ARCHIVED WEBSITE 2015]

Though we’ve not had any snow yet, its certainly been icy these last few days. For safer cycling this winter, consider these tips from Dr Bike:

• If you have a set of knobbly tyres, put them on your bike.
• Let some air out of your tyres; softer tyres will give a bit more grip.
• Cycle slowly and use your rear brake rather than your front. A skidding front tyre is harder to control than a rear.
• Try to relax and sit back a bit, cycling hunched nervously over the handlebars while gripping on to them probably means this isn’t for you.
• As ever, anticipate hazards and brake early, preferably using the rear brake.
• Steer slowly and smoothly; avoid sudden sharp movements and be careful as you turn from snowy minor roads to clearer main roads as this is where you might find icy ruts.
• Wear warm old clothes and get changed once you’ve arrived.
• Even if you don’t normally wear a helmet, it is advisable when riding in snow and ice.

Check out our Sustainable Travel Factsheet Series for more tips for ‘Cycling in Winter’

On Saturday 24th  Nov the Dr Bikes were out with one of our first Cycling Buddies Sarah Pirie. Jack frost had been to work and in the morning there was a slippery layer ice on all the streets and paths.  By noon most of the ice had melted and we practiced on road positioning and turning techniques making the most of what the Dunbar High St area had to offer. Later we concentrated on the right turn from Queens Road to Spott road. Previous to this training Sarah was not comfortable with this junction due to the higher speed traffic. By the end of the session Sarah was leading us at this junction that she had previously avoided.

If you would like free on road cycle training make your own group of cycling buddies to go riding with.