• YOU don’t have to be completely put off using your bike by this week’s snow.

I’ve just finished my daily five-mile route around Regent’s Park, and so long as you stay out in the middle of the road lanes, the cars have kept the surface clear and it hasn’t got cold enough to ice over yet.

You have as much right to be there safe and visible as any other road user. Nevertheless I’d advise to act like you are in a bank heist (“No sudden moves”), and wisest not to go out on a racer, but hybrids or mountain bikes with fat knobbly tyres can be made to give more purchase by a bit of deflation (I’m tempted to say avoid quantitative easing at all costs).

When approaching intersections be aware of everyone else: pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles have less stopping power, so be ultra cautious. And wrap up warm, especially gloves, helmet and, yes, a good excuse for a mask too!

JON CROWCROFT
(Cycling in Camden since 1963)