Cold snap highlights gritting blind spot for cyclists

As the UK braces for its coldest night of the winter, with temperatures expected to plunge to as low as -20°C over the Pennines, many of us will be cranking up the heating and layering up. But for those of us who rely on bicycles to get around, another concern looms large: the icy neglect of cycle lanes.

Despite their vital importance for sustainable transport, cycle paths are routinely left untreated during icy spells, with local authorities often citing cost as the reason. Roads get gritted; cycle paths, all too often, do not. The result? A network of second-rate ice rinks that leave cyclists vulnerable to falls and forced onto roads alongside vehicles, compounding already treacherous conditions.

Why gritting cycle lanes matters

It’s easy to dismiss cycling as impractical in freezing weather, but experienced riders know better. A light covering of snow is navigable, and bicycles can be a surprisingly effective mode of transport when others grind to a halt. Cars struggle on icy roads, public transport often faces delays, but a well-maintained cycle lane can keep people moving.

In countries with colder climates, like Denmark and the Netherlands, cycling infrastructure is prioritised for gritting and snow clearance. There, cycling is seen not as an afterthought but as an essential part of the transport network—regardless of the season.

The UK, however, lags far behind. Without a statutory requirement for councils to grit cycle paths, many local authorities simply don’t. It’s a missed opportunity to support active travel and reduce car dependency, especially when winter weather disrupts other modes of transport.

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A pedal-powered solution?

To highlight the issue, we’ve created the world’s first pedal-powered gritter. Powered entirely by human effort, it’s emissions-free, noise-free - and hopelessly impractical. It can only cover about 30 metres before running out of grit!

It’s a send-up of how authorities currently deal with the problem. The real solution lies with them recognising cycling as a year-round transport option.

Until then, we’ll keep our fingers crossed - and perhaps our ice skates at the ready.

The ethical choice (whatever the weather)

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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