From tube strikes to tailwinds: how to keep cycling this winter

The four-day tube strike in London pushed thousands out of stations and onto the roads. Lime bike rentals shot up by over half, a visible reminder of how quickly people will take to cycling when public transport falters. The question is: how many of those riders will stay on two wheels once the trains are back to normal and winter rolls in?

The truth is, cycling through the darker months isn’t about hardiness – it’s about good prep. With the right tweaks to your bike, kit and mindset, it can be the most enjoyable and efficient way to get around. Here’s how.

Mudguards: the unsung heroes

Why do so few bikes in Britain come with mudguards? Somewhere along the line, stripped-down racing aesthetics became the norm, leaving utility by the roadside. But the difference they make is huge: no soggy backside, no stripe of grime up your back.

Full-length guards bolted to the frame are best. Clip-on versions are better than nothing but will struggle in really wet conditions. And if you ride in groups, full length guards with a mudflap are a courtesy – nobody wants to be showered by the rider in front.

Tyres: beat the puncture season

Wet roads and fallen leaves hide debris that loves nothing more than to pierce a thin summer tyre and nothing tests resolve like fixing a flat in the dark with freezing fingers.

That’s where puncture-resistant tyres come in. The Schwalbe Marathon Plus has a loyal following for good reason: they’re about as close to puncture-proof as a tyre gets. They’re heavier than tyres like the Gatorskin range, yes, but for many winter commuters the trade-off is worth it. Slime-filled tubes are another option, sealing small punctures before you even notice.

Tip: winter is also a good time to check your tyre pressure. Slightly lower pressure gives better grip on slippery roads.

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Lights: fixed or flashing?

Our favourite lights are the Knog Cobber Large – big, bright, wraparound, rechargeable, and built well. But brightness is only half the story.

Should you ride with fixed or flashing lights? Flashing has become the default – a way of shouting for attention in a sea of city lights. But there’s a case for a single, steady red, like on a motorbike. Drivers instinctively recognise it as a vehicle that belongs on the road. Too much flashing can simply blur into background noise.

It’s worth experimenting with both. Many riders run one fixed and one flashing rear light for balance.

A bit of history: In the early twentieth century, cycling campaigners fought against mandatory rear lights. They argued the law shifted responsibility onto cyclists rather than motorists, who should simply drive at a speed where they could avoid all hazards, lit or not. That battle is history now, but we're reminded of it when folk evangelise about high-vis clothing or helmets being the answer to cyclist safety.

Clothing: stay comfortable all year round

Assuming you're not out to break records, everyday clothing is perfectly suitable for cycling but winter is where technical kit earns its keep. Technical gear doesn’t have to look sporty – plenty of kit now comes in muted colours and everyday cuts.

• Outer layer: a genuinely waterproof jacket makes the difference between resilience and misery. Breathable fabrics stop you arriving soaked from the inside.
• Gloves: frozen fingers are more than uncomfortable – they make braking harder. Read our guide to riding with Raynauds syndrome.
• Trousers: water-resistant overtrousers do what it says on the tin.
• Feet: neoprene overshoes will change your life.

Ride like you’re invisible

In gloomy conditions bike lights obviously help, but winter riding is all about increased awareness. For example, glare from low sun on a wet road is blinding and many drivers refuse to slow down in such conditons. Always assume you haven’t been seen until you’re sure.

Bike checks: mechanical TLC

Winter accelerates wear. A quick weekly check saves you from bigger problems:

• Brakes: rim brakes lose bite in the wet – make sure pads are fresh. Disc brakes perform better in the wet; remember to keep them clean.
• Chain: wipe it down and oil it regularly. Salt and grit are not friends to your chain.
• Cables: moisture creeps in; a squirt of oil helps.

Think of it as a seasonal health check for your bike.

Motivation: the psychological tricks

Even with the best kit, when the weather is foul the hardest part is often getting out the door. We always find that once we're at the end of the road, we're into it.

Back-up: Cycle Rescue is free with ETA bicycle insurance

No matter how well you prepare, you’ll very occasionally find yourself stranded. That’s why over 30 years ago we pioneered Cycle Rescue  – the UK’s first true breakdown recovery service for cyclists. Snap a chain, buckle a wheel, or face an unfixable puncture, and one call gets you and your bike home. Cycle Rescue comes free with ETA cycle insurance, or as a standalone service.

If you suffer a breakdown (including punctures, or even a flat e-bike battery) while out cycling, our 24-hour Cycle Rescue team can arrange transport for you and your bicycle to a safe location. Buy as a standalone service, or get it included for free with ETA cycle insurance, along with:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)

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The bottom line

Cycling through autumn and winter isn’t about suffering – it’s about stacking the odds in your favour. Mudguards, puncture-resistant tyres, decent lights, warm clothing, and regular bike care all turn the darker months from a test of grit into part of the rhythm of the year.

And if you’re among those who discovered cycling during the tube strike? Maybe the real win is realising you don’t have to go back.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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