Snow and ice: A guide to safe driving and cycling this winter

Winter weather can be magical, but it’s not without its challenges, especially when it comes to transport. With snow forecast across much of the UK this weekend and a Met Office yellow warning in place, here's a quick guide on navigating adverse weather safely, whether you’re behind the wheel or on a bike.

Driving in snow and ice: stay prepared
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Driving in snow and ice can turn an ordinary journey into a nerve-wracking ordeal. Stopping distances increase dramatically - up to 10 times longer than usual - so it’s vital to adapt your driving to the conditions. If the forecast looks particularly severe, leaving your car a home might be the safest option. But if you must hit the road, preparation is key.

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Essentials to keep in your car

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Pack a winter kit that includes warm clothing, a blanket, sturdy boots, a shovel, and an ice scraper. Snacks like chocolate, a thermos of hot tea, and plenty of water can make a huge difference if you get stuck. Keep a charged mobile phone, any necessary medications, and items like old carpet strips or cat litter to help with traction if your car gets stuck in snow.

Ensure your car is winter-ready: check your tyre tread and keep your fuel tank topped up. Make sure your screen wash is a proper anti-freeze mix, and don’t forget the small things - like placing cardboard under wipers overnight to prevent freezing.

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Driving techniques for winter

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Clear snow and ice completely from windows, mirrors, and your roof before setting off. Pull away in second gear to reduce wheel spin and drive in higher gears for better control. On snowy motorways, stick to cleared tracks and drive smoothly.

If you get stuck, resist the urge to spin your wheels. Clear snow from under the tyres, use traction aids, and rock gently between forward and reverse gears. If stranded, ensure your exhaust pipe is clear before running the engine to stay warm, and avoid leaving the car unless absolutely necessary.

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Bicycles in winter: surprisingly resilient

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While icy roads can bring cars to a crawl, bicycles fare better than you might expect. In fact, cycling through winter can be a glorious experience. Snow-covered streets often have less congestion, and the crisp air and snowy landscapes make for stunning rides.

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Staying warm is key. Invest in windproof gloves, a good hat, and insulated layers for your core and knees. Cyclists of old had a trick for extreme cold: stuffing a newspaper down their jacket. It’s effective, but thankfully no longer necessary with modern fabrics.

In countries with harsh winters, studded tyres are the norm. While they’re overkill in the UK, switching to off-road tyres and reducing tyre pressure slightly can give you better grip. Keep your bike upright during turns to avoid slipping, and brake with caution - test the surface by lightly applying your rear brake, and use the front brake sparingly.

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Fresh snow offers surprisingly good grip, but slush and icy patches demand extra care. Adjust your riding position by shifting your weight back to increase grip on your rear wheel and reduce the chance of your front wheel skidding. Take it slow, relax your movements, and let the bike do the work.

A safety net for cyclists

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Despite the joy of winter riding, breakdowns can happen. That’s where Cycle Rescue comes in - a unique service that provides breakdown cover for cyclists. Whether you face a flat tyre or a snapped chain, it’s peace of mind for just £24 a year, or free with cycle insurance from the ETA.

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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