6 Items to Have on you When Biking in Winter

When travelling in winter extra precautions must always be taken to be careful and safe on the roads. Here’s a list of some items to be taken with you when journeying out in the cold rain and snow.

Warm clothes

On a motorbike you’re exposed to the elements so warm clothing is a must. Any good motorcycling jacket should be built to take on rain and snow, with double zips to make it extra secure against draft and water. Longer jackets work best to stop a draft coming up the back. Trousers should be snug and warm, and it’s strongly recommended to not wear jeans. They absorb rain and snow like nobodies business, chilling you to the bone and chaffing heavily. As usual a nice pair of protected riding gloves are a must, regardless of weather.

Reflective clothes

These should really be part of your usual day to day wear, but as the nights get longer it’s important that you’re able to be seen by all. high-vis vests are extremely cheap, slip over your biking jacket easily and can safe a life. Get one if you don’t already.

A fully charged mobile phone

A mobile phone is a must, it allows you to call emergency services, should such a problem arise, and also contain ICE contacts should the absolute worst happen. A modern smartphone usually has GPS capabilities as well which can help you find your way in heavy fog and snow, as well as allowing you to tell people exactly where you are. If need be a cheap buttoned phone that’s just kept on your motorbike is a worthwhile investment. You don’t need to keep it topped up and it will still call emergency services and far less likely to fail, and buttons are easier to use than a touchscreen in the snow and rain.

Emergency Torch

A solid emergency torch and beacon can be picked up from more garage forecourts. Most models function as a torch, good for seeing your way around in the dark and foggy conditions, but also as a red beacon to be put on the roadside to alert drivers to your position should you break down on the roadside.

Pre-trip rundown

Maintenance becomes all the more important during winter. Make sure you’re topped up on anti-freeze, tyres are in good condition, and battery fully charged. A coating of silicone spray around the underside won’t go amiss either in order to protect from salt thrown up from the roads that can very quickly cause corrosion.

Common Sense

Probably the most important thing to take out with you. Don’t drive fast, be extra vigilant to make sure other drivers are aware of you and that you are aware of them. In these conditions visibility is short, and that goes for pedestrians too who might have their eyes shielded from cold rain and snow. Don’t go out unless absolutely necessary, and make sure people know where you’re going.