10 Summer Bike Safety Tips

Whether you’re a serious cyclist or more of a leisurely rider, there’s no denying that summer cycling is far more preferable to hopping on a bike in the dead of winter. Like many things, though, the fun can quickly turn into disaster if you’re not sufficiently prepared. 

Summer bike safety is key when you’re riding in warmer temperatures, as well as staying hydrated and avoiding overheating. To help you prepare for your next big ride, we’ve put together 10 summer cycling tips so you can stay protected, visible, and comfortable. 

1. Pre-ride checks

First things first: safety starts before your journey begins. It might be tempting to get up and go when the draw of the summer trails are calling, but taking a moment to assess your bike is essential, especially if you’re going on a long distance journey. 

Here’s a breakdown of what to check:

• Tyres - air pressure, any punctures, and tread levels
• Spokes - no broken or damaged spokes
• Frame - particularly looking at the welds for cracks or damage
• Brakes - rim or discs, depending on your model
• Gears and chain
• Seat - adjusted to the right height
• Reflectors and lights 

The same goes for electric bikes, these will need a thorough once over before your journey starts, remembering to check the battery and other electrical components. 

If you’re not sure whether your bike or e-bike is ready for your summer trips, let our experts take care of it for you. Find your nearest centre and our seasoned bike pros will have your bike ready to go in no time.

2. Wear protective gear

It should go without saying at this point but wearing a helmet while cycling isn’t just recommended, it’s essential to keep you safe from accidents and injuries. It should be worn throughout your journey and secured properly with the strap. 

Beyond your protective headgear, though, there are extra measures you can take to have a smooth ride, there and back again. Choose quality sunglasses with 100% UV filtering lenses to shield your eyes from the sun. Not only do they protect from UVA and UVB, but they also prevent dust, insects, and debris from flying into your eyes. This can significantly reduce irritation and distractions while cycling.

As for the rest of your cycling get-up, comfort is key. When it’s hot, the temptation might be to wear as little as possible, but this can be risky. We’re not saying you need to wear lycra cycling gear but having too much bare skin can get scraped if you fall. 

Choose lightweight clothing with more coverage, such as cotton, linen, or performance fabrics designed to keep you cool and provide sun protection. Be cautious of having overly loose clothing, however, as this may get caught in the gears of the bicycle and cause an accident or injury. 

3. Stay hydrated

It’s the most obvious one of all, but not drinking enough water catches so many of us out – especially in the heat, when we sweat more and lose fluid faster than usual. 

In its early stages, dehydration can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded and can even cause muscle cramps, which are all things you don’t want happening to you while you’re on a bike. Or anywhere, for that matter. So make sure you’ve had some water before you set off on your ride, and bring a large bottle with you that you can sip frequently and refill when you need to. 

Top tip: Freeze a bottle of water the night before, which will melt in the heat and provide a cooling and refreshing drink.

4. Wear sun protection

Finding routes with plenty of shaded areas is ideal for summer cycling, but it’s not always possible. As you’ll be out in the sun, make sure you pack a good SPF and apply some before you set out, remembering to reapply regularly. It’s also a great idea to invest in some cycling clothing and accessories that feature built-in UV sun protection. 

It’s a given (hopefully) that you’ll be wearing a helmet. If you’re bald, one thing to consider is helmet tan lines. A high SPF might not be enough to prevent this, so you could try wearing a cycling cap or scarf under your helmet.

5. Choose suitable footwear

Summer bike safety 101: Leave the flip-flops at home. They might be comfortable, but they’re really not great for cycling. Flip-flops can slip off the pedals easily, leading to accidents, and they offer little protection for your feet. Instead, choose shoes with a secure fit and good grip. Closed-toe footwear is best, as there’s added protection if you accidentally fall.

6. Don't forget your lights and high-vis

Cycling on a bright, sunny day can give you a false sense of security, but it’s always best to be prepared. You never know what will happen on your ride or if you'll end up cycling home in the dark, unplanned. Always fit your bike with front and rear lights to ensure drivers can spot you after dark. 

High-visibility clothing is equally important. Bright colours or reflective materials will make you stand out, particularly in low-light conditions. Never underestimate how quickly it can get dark, and how hard it is for drivers to spot cyclists. 

If you do plan on cycling in the dark, read up on our top tips for safe night cycling. 

7. Apply insect repellent

Summer bike rides through fields, woodlands, or near water can bring you face to face with midges, mosquitoes, and ticks. These insects love warm weather and can quickly make your ride unpleasant. 

Apply a good insect repellent to exposed skin before you set off, and after your journey, check yourself for ticks. Don’t forget to brush down your clothes too, especially if you’ve been through tall grass. Preventing bites will keep you comfortable and allow you to enjoy your ride without distractions.

8. Plan for rest breaks

You should always allow for plenty of rest breaks when you’re out on summer cycling trips. Exercising in the heat tires you out quicker, so you’ll want to allow for moments where you can cool down in the shade, sip some water and refuel. 

When it comes to snacks, you’ll want to avoid anything that will melt like chocolate. Instead, go for flapjacks, apples, dried fruit, trail mix, rice cakes, or protein balls to keep your energy up and your ride fun.

9. Adjust your speed

When it’s a roasting hot summer’s day, it’s easy to take it for granted that you'll be able to cycle just as fast as you do in cooler weather. However, the heat will generally slow you down, and you don't want to overdo it. 

Adjust your pace and don't be tempted to cycle further. Remember that if you're cycling a familiar route, the summer heat will make it more challenging. So even if you feel ok in the moment, you'll need to conserve energy for the route home.

10. Check the wind and wind direction

Even on sunny summer days, the wind can catch you off guard, especially on coastal routes or open areas. Cycling into a strong headwind is probably worse than tackling an uphill climb, as there can be no end in sight. And that’s before you even consider the horrors of wind burn. 

Before heading out, check the wind direction. If it’s breezy, consider planning your route so the wind works in your favour on the way back. Or if it looks too intense, you might even want to reschedule your ride to when it’s calmer. 

Whatever the weather, book in for a bike repair or service

With these summer bike safety tips in mind, you should be all set for summer cycling and ready for every adventure on two wheels. 

If your bike needs a little extra TLC, we’ve got you covered. At Kwik Fit, we offer bike repairs and servicing at select locations in partnership with Fettle, the experts in hassle-free bike repair.