Prepare for the winter freeze!

Walking 

The Snow Code provides advice on clearing snow and ice from pavements and public areas yourself to stay safe while walking. These are not often gritted or salted by the local council.

When walking in winter, make sure you wear appropriate clothing - waterproof shoes/boots with good grips and warm clothing. Try to leave your hands free while you walk so you can catch yourself if you do fall. This means wearing gloves so you don't have to put your hands in your pockets and using a rucksack or similar rather than a handbag or briefcase.

Be especially alert around car traffic, which may lose control on icy roads, and keep an eye on children and pets.

With the right clothes and due care, walking in snow can be wonderful, enhanced even further by the reduction in road traffic and an increase in friendly neighbourly spirit!

Cycling 

If you're thinking about cycling through the winter, do take care as recent research by NHS Bristol has identified that slipping on ice or wet roads is the most common non-collision cause of bicycle accidents. Snowy conditions are actually OK for cycling - it's ice and wet roads you really need to look out for. If you are cycling in wintry conditions, try following some of these tips:

  • Fit wider tyres and deflate the pressure slightly so you have more grip. You can get studded tyres for ice and snow if you are feeling very intrepid!
  • Avoid toe grips and clip-in pedals as you may need to put your feet down in a hurry.
  • Stick to main roads, as cycle paths and minor roads are unlikely to be gritted,
  • Go slowly. Look ahead for ice patches and avoid them if possible. If you do find yourself on ice, keep the handlebars straight (don't turn) and try not to brake (which can cause slipping). If you do have to brake, do so carefully while travelling in a straight line, not on a turn.
  • Wear warm, waterproof clothing, especially on your hands and feet, and consider wearing protective clothing and a helmet in case you do fall off.
  • If you're not confident about your ability, don't do it! Our adult cycling lessons may help.

Public transport

Trains and buses can be the safest ways to travel in winter weather, but they are subject to delays and disruptions. Allow extra time for your journey and check rail and bus services before you depart using the following:

Be aware also that train services through Reading will be severely disrupted over the Christmas period due to maintenance works at Reading station. Most services from Taunton and the south will run to London Waterloo rather than Paddington, and those from Bristol to Paddington will be subject to rail replacement buses or diversion via Oxford, increasing the journey time from 2 hours to about 3 1/2 hours. More information is available here.

Driving 

Drivers are advised not to drive in snowy or icy weather conditions unless absolutely essential. If you do have to drive, check the Highways Agency's Live Traffic Information system for any existing problems on the roads by calling 08700 600 115 or at www.trafficengland.com. You can find the government's information on driving safely in extreme weather conditions here, but the best thing to do is not to travel, or try an alternative means - walking, train or bus.

If you are driving, it can be safter to travel with a passenger. Find one at www.carsharesomerset.com.

Updates on local road conditions in Somerset, including the salting/gritting schedule can be viewed on the Somerset County Council website. Check this before considering driving.