RIDING IN THE RAIN

Safe Cycling in Wet Weather

Introduction

Rain does not make cycling impossible, but it changes riding conditions. Wet roads can reduce traction, increase stopping distances, and make cyclists less visible to other road users. Safe riding in the rain requires adapting your speed, braking, and riding style to the conditions.

Why does rain increase the risk?

Rain can affect cycling in several ways:

• Road grip may be reduced.
• Visibility often becomes worse.
• Drivers may notice cyclists later.
• Some braking systems respond differently on wet surfaces.

Understanding these changes helps cyclists make safer decisions.

1. Be extra careful during the first rainfall

The first minutes of rainfall can be particularly slippery because water mixes with oil, dust, and other debris already on the road surface.

Not every road behaves the same, but extra caution is recommended.

2. Reduce your speed

Ride according to the conditions, not according to your usual pace.

Lower speeds provide more time to react and shorten the consequences of unexpected situations.

3. Brake smoothly

Avoid grabbing the brakes suddenly.

Instead:

• apply both brakes progressively,
• brake earlier,
• expect longer stopping distances.

Avoiding the front brake entirely is not recommended.

4. Increase your following distance

Wet roads often require longer stopping distances for everyone.

Leave more space between yourself and other road users.

5. Avoid sudden movements

Abrupt steering, hard acceleration, and sharp cornering can reduce tire grip on wet pavement.

Ride smoothly and predictably.

6. Watch for slippery surfaces

Extra caution is needed on:

• tram tracks
• manhole covers
• drain grates
• painted road markings
• metal bridge joints

Whenever possible, cross tram tracks at a near-perpendicular angle.

7. Stay visible

Seeing is important.

Being seen is equally important.

Use:

• a white front light,
• a red rear light,
• reflective clothing or accessories.

8. Check your tire pressure

A slight reduction in tire pressure may improve grip under some conditions.

However, always stay within the manufacturer's recommended pressure range.

There is no single pressure that works for every bicycle or rider.

9. Braking systems in wet weather

Disc brakes

Generally provide strong braking performance in wet conditions.

Rim brakes

May require a brief moment to clear water from the rim before full braking performance is reached.

Plan your braking accordingly.

10. Sometimes the safest choice is not to ride

Heavy rain, flooding, thunderstorms, hail, or extremely poor visibility may justify postponing your ride.

Arriving safely is always more important than arriving on time.

Common myths

Myth: Never use the front brake in the rain.

Reality: Controlled use of both brakes provides better braking performance.

Myth: Lower tire pressure as much as possible.

Reality: Excessively low pressure may reduce control and increase the risk of pinch flats.

Myth: Disc brakes are unaffected by rain.

Reality: Disc brakes usually perform well in wet conditions, but overall stopping distance still depends heavily on available tire grip.

Conclusion

Safe cycling in the rain is based on three simple principles:

• Ride at an appropriate speed.
• Stay visible.
• Ride defensively.

Rain does not have to stop you from cycling—but it does require more awareness and better decision-making.