Senior Operational Meteorologist gives his advice to anyone taking to two wheels during the high winds
Storm Barney is set to hit the UK with winds up to 80 miles per hour in some locations, and extensive weather warnings in place for wind and rain across much of the UK.
With the evening commute in mind, we’ve been in touch with the Met Office to get their advice and tips on cycling in high winds.
We’ve all been out on unsettled days and battled against a headwind on the way home, but heavy gusts are a different story.
“A steady strong wind, while being hard work, will not be as hazardous as a blustery wind,” says Jay Merrell, Senior Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office.
Dress right for the conditions
“A sudden gust (especially a cross-wind, perpendicular to the direction of travel) can result in a significant change in the affect the wind is having on the cyclist’s body, possible resulting in a brief loss of control which, in a worst case scenario, could result in the cyclist crashing, or veering into traffic,” he continued.
“During blustery winds it is essential the cyclist maintains full concentration and full control of the bike.”
Maintaining control of the bike isn’t always possible in the worst gusts so it comes down to common sense and the conditions you’ll be riding in. Sometimes the train is a better option, and you can make up the mileage with an extra loop at the weekend.