Autumn/Winter cycling hazards

jon1981

I had my first "bambi on ice" experience this morning except on a stretch full of wet leaves. I was crossing over on to the cycling lane and the bike more or less slid across, was quite scary when clipped in. I wasn't going fast at all as I was mindful of the leaves, perhaps it was a combination of 23mm tyres and being over cautious!

For anyone commuting through Fairview Dublin from Clontarf direction , the cycle lane from westwood gym around to fairview by the road side (not the bit that cuts through the park) is lethal at the moment. Will be avoiding it and sticking to the road until it clears.

Dave_White

Go on road, that's what I do (I commute through there daily)

07Lapierre

Wet leaves
Flooded roads
Manhole covers
Road markings

The list is endless!

Darkglasses

Wet leaves are a hassle for me too, probably going to get worse before it gets better

Unknown Soldier

The rising and setting Sun is a serious danger depending on your direction.

If it is blinding you and drivers of vehicles...

eeeee

Steel rims + rain/any kind of dampness = theoretical brakes only. Changing wheels this winter, he'll be less pretty but he will stop without the aid of my feet on the ground :pac:

billyhead

Ice/Hard frost is a complete no no for cycling for me. Came down on black ice a few years ago and broke my hip in 3 places so would never dare cycling if there is a risk of it again.

billyhead

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

The rising and setting Sun is a serious danger depending on your direction.

If it is blinding you and drivers of vehicles...

Does anyone know whatever happened to the cyclist knocked down at Blakes Cross last winter where the low sun was meant to be a factor. Initial reports were that is was a fatal incident but then it transpired the cyclist was critically injured

Wishbone Ash

billyhead wrote: »

... Came down on black ice a few years ago and broke my hip in 3 places ...

If I recall correctly, you remounted and continued the ride. Proper badass!

07Lapierre

billyhead wrote: »

Does anyone know whatever happened to the cyclist knocked down at Blakes Cross last winter where the low sun was meant to be a factor. Initial reports were that is was a fatal incident but then it transpired the cyclist was critically injured

There were Two cyclists...One died, the other was seriously injured.

bazermc

So basically don't cycle during autumn or winter?

rollingscone

Big hazard at the moment is light pollution. Headlights, night-as-day trail specific mtb lights. Flashing lights and hi vis everywhere it can be very distracting and effectively camouflages things that would normally stand out by contrast.

Also learn where not to brake and plan ahead if you're going to roll through leaves or wet surface have your line planned in advance and be aware of what hazards might be approaching.

Jamming on in wet leaves because of a murky ped stepping out is going to end in tears

funnights74

White painted road lines when they are any bit wet at all are fairly lethal, avoid at all costs .+1 on the wet leaves, I saw a girl skid on some wet leaves and ended up under the back wheels of a bus a few years ago. It was pure luck the bus just happened to stop or it would have been horrendous.:eek:

Bloggsie

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

If I recall correctly, you remounted and continued the ride. Proper badass!

one hardy buck if thats true( I hope it is)

Alanstrainor

I actually haven't found leaves to be a problem on my commute, I do stick to the roads, and avoid on-path cycle lanes, which helps things. Definitely road markings and manhole covers though, absolutely lethal, especially on corners. Not braking mid corner is an important rule to remember.

Kiith

High beams from cars are the worst for me, when cycling at night. Can't see a bloody thing.

Darkglasses

Kiith wrote: »

High beams from cars are the worst for me, when cycling at night. Can't see a bloody thing.

I have always worn orange or yellow lenses at night for this very reason. Flashing my own lights back occasionally penetrates their stupor.

07Lapierre

Kiith wrote: »

High beams from cars are the worst for me, when cycling at night. Can't see a bloody thing.

Wear one of these:

http://www.prendas.co.uk/plain-black-cotton-cycling-cap.html

Use the peak as a "sunvisor"..just tilt your head slightly to block the lights..

jon1981

F**king wet leaves finally got me this morning! Be careful with Autumn approaching and this rain... lot of wet leaves about!

Beasty

Sorry, but this is obligatory this time of year...

eeeee

Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!!

It's July...JULY!

Too soon, too soon.

Beasty

Yeah but August is not far away. Feels like time to be getting the Santa jersey out.....

eeeee