How to cycle safer in winter
Cycling is now the fastest growing mode of transport in several cities and towns across New Zealand, says Waka Kotahi. "There's no doubt more and more people are getting on their bikes, says Patrick Morgan, project manager with Cycling Action Network, New Zealand's national cycling charity. Whether on an e-bike or a knee-bike, people love the convenience and fun of biking. Bikes tend to be less impacted by traffic gridlock and road delays than cars, leading to more predictable travelling times. Bike commuting can also cost considerably less than other modes. Despite the odd encounter with an angry man in a van , its great for your mental health and even better for the planet. So many benefits. Why stop riding now, just because winters here? READ MORE: * To the angry man in a van: Don't hate me, I'm just trying to get to work * Proposed lowering of Wairarapa speed limits pleases some road users, frustrates others * Wellington cyclists form 'people-protected' bike lane through central city * Cyclist's glow-in-the-dark knitted vest could be the 'birth of a fashion empire' All-weather riding might take a bit of commitment, but with the right prep and wet-wear gear, you can confidently meet the challenges of the season. Here are some expert tips for rolling on through. Be seen Shorter winter days mean you need reliable lights, says Morgan. Check and charge your batteries. Clean your lights and reflectors. Use blinking lights during the day. Consider wearing high-vis. For a budget safety hack buy a high vis vest from your local hardware store and wear it over your existing raincoat. Gear up Check your tyres, brakes, and drivetrain to keep your bike running sweetly, says Morgan. If you don't know an Allen key from a door key, ask a bikey friend or see your local bike shop. Invest in quality rain gear (jackets, pants, gloves, and merino layers) and you'll stay dry and warm. Mudguards also help keep you dry. Waterproof leggings mean you can ride to work through the rain without needing to get changed at journeys end. The local cycling company Ground Effects full length leggings are made with a waterproof three-layer fabric and spiral-zipped leg gussets for pulling over your shoes. Company director Fraser McLachlan says their Christchurch factory uses a computerised cutting machine and small batches to minimise off-cut waste. Production is matched to demand, avoiding surplus stock, and colour lines continue until all fabric is used. The factory has 64 solar panels and all staff members ride to work. Company vehicles are an electric van and an electric cargo bike. A heavy-duty jacket is ideal for e-bikers who might feel the cold when riding. The Cactus rain jacket is fully seam-sealed and made with a tough three-layer fabric in a longer cut. Cactus is a 30-year-old New Zealand clothing company with local and international partner factories. Yonni Kepes from Cactus says that as a clothing manufacturer the best action we can take in terms of sustainability is to provide hard-wearing garments that don't end up in landfill after six months. The company operates a repair facility from their Christchurch factory, where Kepes says theyre able to patch, re-dome, re-zip and more on well-loved products. Cactus rainwear uses a custom-made 3-layered fabric that is waterproof and durable. Kepes says high quality thread and YKK zips, means their jackets and over trousers are used in Antarctica, the Himalayan peaks and used commercially by ski and tourism companies across New Zealand. Wise up Darker evenings and damp roads making you nervous? Morgan recommends taking a Bike Ready cycle skills training course to equip yourself with skills and confidence. You've heard of the Road Code, but did you know there's a Cycling Code ? Check it out for advice on road rules, equipment, signalling, lane position, and more, he says. Choose the safest route possible to ride along. Speak up The most common reason cited by non-cyclists world for not cycling to work is lack of infrastructure, according to the UKs Journal Of Transport And Health . The squeaky wheel gets the oil , and Morgan also recommends adding your voice to the many advocating for safer cycling infrastructure. Many cities are building bike lanes, and they need to hear support from the community, says Morgan. Join Cycling Action Network and your local bike advocates to make the case for bike lanes, safe speeds , laws that protect us, and cyclist and driver education. Biking in winter can be loads of fun. Get your friends together and plan a ride. Unleash your inner child and splash through puddles with a grin on your face.