Equipped for winter operation: If you adapt your bike and driving style to the dark and cold season, you can cycle through the winter without any problems.
In the corona crisis, many switched from cars to bicycles. According to figures from the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, 40 percent of Germans used their bikes several times a week in June. What was quite pleasant in summer can become uncomfortable in winter. Leaves, rain, and black ice can be dangerous for cyclists. The legal experts at ARAG legal protection insurance have put together some tips for a safe bike ride in winter.
lighting
The cold season is especially dark. A functioning light on the bike is essential, especially during the short days. The road traffic regulations prescribe a light intensity of at least 10 lux. According to the ARAG experts, however, around 40 lux is recommended for winter city traffic. Important: The headlight should not dazzle oncoming traffic. For this, the light beam should be inclined a little downwards. The general rule of thumb: the headlight should illuminate the road approximately five meters in front of the bike.
If you have decided on a dynamo, the ARAG experts recommend a lamp with automatic parking light so that you can also be seen at the traffic lights. In contrast to hub dynamos, the side-runner dynamos have to struggle more often with dropouts or reduced performance in wet weather. In the case of battery-operated lamps, the approval is marked with the approval mark of the Federal Motor Transport Authority. You can recognize the symbol by a wavy line, the letter K and a five-digit number. Flashing lamps are generally not allowed.
Brakes
Is the braking performance still correct? The brake pads and reins are important indicators for this. The latter must be easy to put on without jerking. Also, check the wear of the brake pads regularly. If the brake pads are worn down to the wear line, the experts recommend replacing them immediately. It is best to consult a professional for the maintenance of the disc brakes.
The type of brake plays an important role: rim brakes lose a lot of their braking power in rain and mud, which increases the braking distance. Disc brakes, on the other hand, are located on their disc on the wheel axle. As a result, they are less exposed to the ambient conditions and the braking performance remains more constant.
tires
Tires with a strong profile ensure good grip and are superior to smooth tires in winter. Before winter use, make sure that your tire tread is not too worn. However, according to the ARAG experts, there is no statutory minimum tread depth for bicycle tires. For S-Pedelecs, on the other hand, the prescribed minimum tread depth is one millimeter. There are also "winter tires" with a deeper profile available, as well as those with metal spikes for driving on ice and snow. But there is no obligation to mount such tires. According to the experts, good bicycle tires are available for around 20 euros.
Tire pressure
The general rule is: lower air pressure ensures more grip. In slippery weather, the legal experts recommend releasing some pressure from the tires. But be careful: Do not fall below the specified minimum value! Otherwise, you could damage the tires and the rims. Information on the recommended tire pressure can be found on the side of the tire. The ARAG experts recommend 4.5 bar for trekking bikes and around 3.5 bar for mountain bikes.
Saddle down!
Adjust the saddle a few inches lower. This enables you to put your feet on the ground more quickly and to support the braking process.
Weather conditions: Protect chain and battery
Check the bike chain regularly: moisture, snow, and mud are a problem for you in winter. If you neglect it, it rusts quickly and could even tear. With e-bikes, it is also important to protect the battery. Cold has been proven to cause faster discharge. An empty charge level also damages the battery. Therefore, the battery should always be taken into warmth if possible. The best protection against winter weather is a dry storage location such as a garage or cellar. The bike should ideally be wiped down after every ride and freed from mud, ice, and road salt.
Visibility and the right clothing
Cyclists often underestimate how quickly they can be overlooked in the winter darkness. Therefore, safety vests and reflective strips on clothing and helmets are particularly recommended. What many do not know: According to the Arag, reflective clothing increases visibility from 25 to 150 meters.
Slide on ice, snow, and leaves
Municipalities are obliged to clear cycle paths. If an accident occurs due to leaves, snow, or ice, the cyclist may be entitled to compensation if the municipality has disregarded its clearance and gritting service. But be careful: the court can award the cyclist joint responsibility if he drives carelessly into an obvious danger zone.
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