Cycling in Winter: How to Stay Visible and Safe on the Road
Author: Georg Weinand
Cycling in winter comes with reduced daylight, wet roads and poor visibility – making it more important than ever to be clearly seen. DEKRA Experts Marc Gölz and Tilo Eilers explain how cyclists can stay visible and safe on the road during the darker months.
According to the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), one in six traffic fatalities in Germany in 2024 involved a bicycle – that is around 16% of all victims. Older people were particularly affected: almost two-thirds of cyclists killed in accidents were aged 65 or older, and the number of accidents involving pedelecs rose significantly. The statistics show that cycling is booming – but safety remains a concern, especially in poor visibility and winter conditions.
Legal Requirements for Bicycle Lighting in Winter
As the days get shorter, adequate lighting is crucial. “In winter, bike lights are key to safety and visibility,” says DEKRA bicycle expert Tilo Eilers. Additional pedal and spoke reflectors greatly increase visibility – especially when they are moving. “Moving points of light help drivers to better estimate distances,” adds Marc Gölz, Product Manager for Bicycle Inspections at DEKRA.
Clothing also plays a crucial role: “Better to be a little more flashy than invisible,” advises Eilers. Bright, reflective jackets or trouser straps make all the difference when riding at dusk or in foggy conditions.
How to adapt your cycling behavior in winter
Whether it’s wet leaves, freezing rain, or slush, every bike path becomes a challenge in winter. “Most crashes happen because cyclists brake or steer too abruptly when cornering,” explains Gölz. Anticipatory, calm cycling is therefore paramount. If you have to brake abruptly, you quickly lose traction. This applies to leaves as well as bridges or forest sections. “Wooden bridges in particular can be slippery even in summer – in winter they become ice rinks,” says Gölz.
Transitional periods are particularly treacherous. Many cyclists are still in “summer mode” even though the frost has long since arrived. According to DEKRA experts, there are visibly more accidents in the first cold weeks – until riding behavior and equipment have adapted.
While competitive cyclists prefer to switch to indoor training when it snows, commuters often stick with their bikes all year round. “People who cycle every day know what to expect,” says Gölz. Many use studded tires with steel studs for icy roads and wear reflective clothing. Nevertheless, “e-bike commuters in particular are a risk group in winter,” warns Eilers. “Their high speed is often underestimated – especially by motorists, who hardly expect to see a bike approaching at 25 kilometers per hour in the dark.”
“Always remember: visibility is the best safety feature.”
Timo Eilers and Marc Gölz, DEKRA bicycle experts
Modern safety technology is slowly catching on
In winter, the number of bicycle accidents decreases overall because fewer people are riding. But those who are on the road are at greater risk. Experience, visibility, and appropriate speed are crucial here.
Modern safety technology is also finding its way into bicycles. “ABS for e-bikes already exists – but so far only in the premium segment,” says Eilers. The anti-lock braking system can prevent falls, especially on slippery roads. Vehicle-to-X communication is still a long way off: it is intended to connect cars and bicycles with each other in order to detect dangerous situations at an early stage. “This will probably only go into series production in a year or two,” estimates the bicycle expert.
Radar sensors that warn of approaching vehicles and rear lights with a brake light function are already available today. “Technology is no substitute for caution,” says Eilers, “but it can help at the crucial moment.”
Maintenance, tires, and brakes: Staying winter-ready
In winter, the rule is: check, maintain, clean. “Check the lights, check the brake pads, oil the chain—that should be a matter of course before every ride,” says product manager Gölz. De-icing salt in particular attacks metal parts. After cycling, a quick spray of water helps to remove salt residue, after which the chain should be treated with a viscous oil. Those who cycle regularly are better off using brake pads that are specially designed for wet conditions.
Tires will also need to be adjusted. “More tire tread and slightly lower air pressure increase the contact surface and thus the grip,” explains Eilers. Studded tires are even advisable for frequent drivers. And those who want the best should opt for radial tires – still expensive, but with particularly good grip. “You should never cheap out on tires and brakes,” emphasizes Eilers. “These are the parts that determine whether you crash or stay safe in an emergency.”
In winter, the rule is: check, maintain, clean.
E-bikes in winter: keep an eye on the battery
Cold weather is the battery's enemy. Falling temperatures significantly reduce performance. “Below five degrees, the battery loses a noticeable amount of range,” explains Eilers. A neoprene cover keeps the heat in longer, and if you park your bike outside, it's better to take the battery indoors. Important: never charge when the battery is ice cold. “Bring it to room temperature first, otherwise you risk damaging the cells,” he warns. It is best to keep the battery charged between 10 and 85 percent.
The right winter clothing is also very important: several thin layers instead of one thick jacket – in other words, the principle of “dressing in layers.” A windproof and water-repellent outer layer protects against cooling down, while breathable materials prevent heat build-up. “I'd rather ride in a neon yellow jacket that everyone can see than look stylish in gray and be invisible,” says Eilers with a laugh. Helmet caps or covers in bright colors also help against the cold and increase visibility. Good gloves and shoe covers protect against wind and moisture without restricting the operation of the brakes – there is the right equipment for virtually every requirement.
Whether you are a leisure cyclist or a commuter, if you ride carefully, use good technology, and check your bike regularly, you will reach your destination safely even in winter. And if something does happen, DEKRA is there to help with its bicycle damage assessment service. “We wish everyone an accident-free season,” say Eilers and Gölz in unison. “And always remember: visibility is the best safety feature.”