Don't get caught out by the dark nights when riding this winter

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24/10/2013

It seems like it was just yesterday that UK bikers were all enjoying tearing along sun-drenched roads in unseasonable warmth, but alas, we’ve received a reality check in the last few days, as the true face of British weather has revealed itself once again.

This point is set to be hammered home even further this coming weekend as British Summer Time comes to an end on October 27th 2013, plunging Britons everywhere into darkness an hour earlier as the clocks go back.

For most people, this is hardly cause for celebration, but motorbike users need to be particularly wary, as the return of the dark nights will need to be accompanied by a corresponding change in riding habits to make sure they are keeping themselves and others safe.

Organisations such as the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have been quick to issue their annual warnings of the increased dangers of using the roads in the dark, and it’s something that any sensible bike owner needs to be aware of.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger cautioned: “The risk of collisions increases in the dark as visibility is reduced. In poor weather, remember that you still need to see things like large pools of water or fallen trees in the dark.”

Meanwhile, RoSPA is continuing its campaign to overhaul the UK’s system of timekeeping completely, a move that would see the country maintaining British Summer Time all year round, or even adding an extra hour during the warmer months.

Until then, bikers should remember that night-time riding can be a safe and enjoyable activity if they take the necessary precautions. These should include donning high-visibility gear and attaching reflective tape to your bike, ensuring you can be easily seen by other road users.

It’s also vital to equip the bike with a suitable array of well-maintained lights and to adjust your speed and riding technique to make sure you’re not taking any unnecessary risks during the hours of darkness.

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Don't get caught out by the dark nights when riding this winter