Riding a tricycle in winter and why it’s safer than riding a bike

When its turns colder and icy outside, people automatically think this means packing away the tricycle or bike for the year, and whilst this might be the correct thinking for a bike, a tricycle is the perfect travelling companion for the winter months. 

Tricycles are well known to be sturdy and safe pieces of equipment, and this applies even more when it comes to riding a tricycle in winter. 

But why is riding a tricycle safer than riding a bike in the winter? Well, here are a list of all the reasons Tricycles are perfect for commuting in the winter, and why they are much safer than riding a bicycle. 

Tricycles are safe on all terrains 

Tricycles have three large wheels that have extremely effective grip, which paired with being lower to the ground than a normal bike, makes riding on all terrains extremely safe. So, this autumn and winter, when the air gets colder and the roads get icy, you can be safe in the knowledge that riding a tricycle is still doable and still a safe option to get into work. 

Also, as a tricycle is lower to the ground this means whilst climbing hills in the wind and rain, riders do not need to keep the same forward leaning motion to gather momentum. Instead trike cyclists can just lower the gear and climb with ease. 

Jorvik tricycles provide a range of different tricycles, but one of their best trikes for bad weather is their Jorvik electric mountain trike. This tricycle has fat tyres and front suspension which will  give you the confidence to conquer mud, sand or snow with ease. 

Tricycles are more noticeable than bikes 

Tricycles are a lot more noticeable than a normal a bike, as they are bigger and have three wheels instead of two! This is extremely beneficial when riding in the winter, as weather in the colder months can produce poor visibility on the roads, which can be dangerous for those on bicycles. But, for tricycle riders, they have the added security that they are more likely to be seen due to the stature of the tricycle compared to a standard bike. 

Tricycles are easier to ride 

Having three wheels, tricycles are very easy to ride as they provide the user with more balance and support. This means riders are not worrying about their balance at the same time as trying to concentrate on the road, this makes the riding experience a much more enjoyable one. Tricycles also tend to have a range of different seating options, one of the most comfortable options being the Jorvik adults tricycle seat with back rest. 

Tricycles can carry all your cargo

One of the worst things in winter when riding a bike is having to try and carry all of your things in a heavy backpack, but with a tricycle, you can pack all of your things away into safe cargo bag or a Jorvik mountain trike trailer that attaches to the tricycle itself. This is great if you have been to the shops and have a lot of carrier bags, or when you’re riding to and from work and need to somewhere to pop your bags safely. 

Things to keep in mind when riding you tricycle in winter: 

Lights

Whether you are riding a bicycle or tricycle, it’s important to ensure you are visible on the roads, especially when whether is poor and natural day light is limited. So, equipping your tricycle with sufficient lights is necessary to reduce any possible collisions or accidents. Ideally, you will have a light on the front, back and on a wheel of your tricycle.  

Visibility 

To ensure not only your tricycle is seen on the roads, but you are seen, purchasing reflective wear could be a good idea, especially for when the weather is gloomy and dark. Some wearable reflective options for this include bright reflective gloves, reflective slap wraps and hi visibility vests. 

Weather protection

This winter there is bound to be some rainy weather, so, investing in some protection for yourself and your phone could be worthwhile. A traditional cycling cape is the perfect accessory to take with you on your rides, and can be worn over all clothing. Also, this weatherproof phone mount is the ultimate universal waterproof phone mount for all tricycles, and you can be comfortable in the knowledge that your phone isn’t getting wet in your pocket! 

So, will you be turning in your bike and using a tricycle instead for your work commutes and exercise? With all the safety benefits riding a tricycle brings, swapping to a tricycle will be one of the best decisions you make this Winter. 

You can read more about Jorvik tricycles on my previous post here. They are for everyone but the story behind them is really touching.

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