Wales by Bike

Living or riding in Wales means that being out on your bike in the rain is unavoidable, no matter what the season. You and your bike will need to perform differently in the rain but by adapting your riding for the conditions and understanding the limitations and hazards of wet weather, it can be an enjoyable experience - not something to fear.

• Slow down - reduce your speed to give you more time to react and brake
• Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front by at least double when riding in the rain
• Anticipate - look ahead for changes in the road surface and adjust your riding accordingly. Some surfaces such as catseyes, white lines/road markings and drain covers can get slippery when wet so avoid if possible
• Watch out for diesel spills (which often appear as a rainbow pattern in the wet)
• Avoid sudden changes in your driving or leaving manoeuvres until the last minute
• Control your bike smoothly - not only do you need to be gentle on the brakes, clutch and throttle but also think about how grip will be affected by the rain
• Make sure you have good waterproof clothing (including boots) or you'll feel the cold when wet
• If you have kept your visor clean and free from debris, the wind will remove the rain naturally. There are products available that can help with getting rid of rain, but the best is simply soap, water and a clean visor
• Visibility is poor in bad weather so make sure other road users can see you - ride with your lights on and remember to wear high visibility clothing