Main roads are usually not the first choice for the average cyclist – but these roads are more likely to be gritted, and traffic tends to heat the tarmac and melt ice. Though we wouldn’t generally recommend busier roads, if there is risk of cycling on icy roads, adjusting your route to cover these, as opposed to country lanes, isn’t a bad idea. 

8 Essential Tips for a Safe Cycle to Work

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for any area where there could be run-off water that has frozen – the edges of puddles particularly – dodge these wherever you can to stay safe. Avoiding the edges of roads, and riding more centrally, is also a good idea as the gutters are not heated by passing traffic as the centre of the lane is.

You should take extra caution on roads with overhanging trees, that create shade, as well as open roads with few hedgerows – long exposed stretches are subject to greater windchill.