Commuting in the dark: a good idea?
Let’s get straight to the point! Commuting to work by (electric) bike is always a good idea. “Although you need to be a bit more careful on the road, cycling to work remains healthy and is very good for the environment and traffic congestion. Even in winter,” the Flemish Road Safety Foundation said this week in De Wereld Vandaag on Radio 1.
Werner De Dobbeleer from the Vlaamse Stichting Verkeerskunde made a plea in ' De Wereld Vandaag ' to keep cycling (electrically) even in winter. “It is understandable that many people don’t cycle to work in this kind of weather. But if you dress well, it should be perfectly possible. There are very good winter boots and gloves for cyclists. Solutions exist to protect yourself from the cold,” says De Dobbeleer.
Still looking for such a solution? At Cyclobility, you can lease cycling clothing! Contact us .
Through wind and rain
Sabine Hagedoren can handle a challenge: “I cycle to and from work every day, that’s 43 kilometres twice a day.” As long as temperatures stay above freezing, the weather presenter enjoys it. “In the morning it’s still quite manageable, and it gradually gets lighter.” Although wet and dark days don’t stop her, Sabine is not blind to the risks.
“In the dark, it can sometimes be dangerous on the road, and you also have to watch out for leaves on the road. If it rains and there are leaves, I reduce my speed. What’s especially dangerous are places without lighting. That’s really not pleasant.”
And what about freezing temperatures?!
“As soon as it freezes, I stop,” says Sabine Hagedoren in 'De Wereld Vandaag' on Radio 1 . “Then it’s too cold to cycle to work. I’m on the road for an hour and a half. Especially the last fifteen minutes are very tough, and I get icy toes and fingertips.”
Is it dangerous?
Cycling in dark autumn or winter conditions is of course more dangerous than cycling in broad daylight. Werner De Dobbeleer : “You are simply less visible to other road users . That’s why the first and most important recommendation is to ensure good bike lighting.”
With proper bike lighting, you won’t be caught off guard by bollards, leaves and other obstacles. Especially on streets without street lighting, extra visibility is essential.
“The first and most important recommendation is to ensure good bike lighting.” – Werner De Dobbeleer
In addition, your own “visibility” is also a basic condition for safety. Think of a high-visibility vest or reflective accessories . Absolutely necessary and not a luxury, according to Cyclobility. Make sure to get well informed in advance, we are happy to help .
Above all, it’s very healthy!
According to us and Werner De Dobbeleer, it is still perfectly responsible to cycle to work in this kind of weather! First of all, cycling to work is very healthy . “It has been proven that employees who cycle to work daily (even electrically) take fewer sick days.”
On the other hand, as a cyclist you are not part of the traffic congestion problem. “You’re not sitting in a car. You are part of the solution to traffic jams!”
And moreover, cycling is good for the environment since it produces no emissions . “All reasons to keep cycling to work in winter,” concludes Werner De Dobbeleer.
Don’t forget to take good care of both your bike and yourself during winter.
