Staying safe while out riding on your own – top tips from the women at Raleigh

Riding on your own can be one of the best ways to clear your mind and just enjoy a bit of ‘me time’. It’s just you, your bike and the open road. Riding solo can be a bit of a worry, though, especially if riding on new roads or in wet weather. Here are some top tips – from women’s cycle clothes to bike maintenance – from the team at Raleigh to help you stay safe while out on your bike.

Layers, layers, layers

Don’t be afraid of too many layers, I was always taught that you can take layers off but you can’t add any that you don’t have. So, as long as you have a bag, when you get too hot you can take off a layer and put it in your backpack. You can go with base layers, jumpers and coats – just remember it’s always best to be prepared for our UK weather.

Jayne Bakes – product development manager

Keep it clean

Riding in certain times of the year – especially in the UK – will mean you’re cycling through more muddy puddles which could clog up in the chain and will make your bike grimy. Make sure you stay on top of cleaning your chain and keep your bike as clean as possible after each ride; this will save you from taking too many trips to the repair shop, too.

Tabitha Morrell – marketing manager

Avoid puddles on roads you don’t know

This may seem a little silly, but potholes are everywhere. If you don’t know the road you’re on, you don’t know what potholes you’ll be trying to avoid. Water-filled potholes are dangerous, and you don’t want to be caught out on your ride to or from work. Don’t risk the fun of a puddle; you don’t want to fly over the handlebars!

Natasha Thornley – sales administrator

Let someone know where you’re riding

It’s always a good idea to let someone know that you’re off out for a ride on your own, and where you plan to ride. That way, you can check in with them once you’re back so they know that you’re home safe. My husband and I use the Find My Friend app so he always knows where I am while out on my bike – he sometimes makes me a cup of tea for when I get back.

Michelle Jakeway – marketing manager

Everything waterproof

Waterproof shoes, waterproof jacket, waterproof panniers … the more waterproof the better. You never know if you’re going to get caught out in the rain, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Good cycling gear will keep you warm and dry on your ride. This is particularly important if you’re on your way to work – you don’t want to turn up too soggy and no one wants to spend the day in the office with someone who smells like wet dog!

Kat Thomson – product and content specialist

Got your own helpful tips for staying safe while cycling solo? We’d love to hear them. Join Raleigh on Facebook to share yours. Or watch our Facebook Q&A session Going solo, in which host Anna Glowinski asks special guests to share their advice on planning your first local ride on your own.