Do you take any extra precautions for commuting in the fog/mist?

[akb]

I am sure Bedfordshire isnt the only place in the UK right now with a slight mist in the air. Do you take extra precautions when cycling in the fog and do you have any advice?

 

[summerdays]

Lights! And assume that you might not get seen as early.

Edit: Not small pathetic lights either - proper seeing by lights

 

[ianrauk]

2 lights both front and rear.

 

[jonny jeez]

Whilst I really enjoy the novelty of riding in the fog, especially the Light sabre effect. I also find I ride far slower and feel far more vulnerable.

as a result riding in thick fog never feels like fun and I never get the pace and fluidity that i get when riding in the dry daylight.

Its also a lot colder, the mist really gets into your clothing and skin.

common sense i guess.

but no, no particular precautions.

Oh, hang on just one...I don't wear my riding glasses in the fog, its a waste of time as they just cloud up with mist droplets.

 

[Arjimlad]

As above re lights and shout

every 5 seconds in as deep a voice as I can muster !

 

[Robson3022]

Its really quite bad where I live at the min. I live right next to the sea and to be honest I'm quite concerned about my commute. I only have two terrible lights on the bike and thinking know one will see me!

 

[Drago]

A hot Toddy before setting out.

That and a fistful of decent lights.

 

[Davidc]

I use bikes for transport rather than fixed route commuting, but the principles are the same.

Go slower if necessary and have all 3 back lights on plus all 3 front ones. (They're bright - dim is no good in fog).

Watch out for plonkers wearing dark clothes, not using lights, and with their eyes and ears switched off.

6 am today. I was on my bike and saw all of those in the dark and thick mist (not quite a fog here today) I was glad I was only going a mile each way.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I switch my front egg white light to flashy mode

 

[Beebo]

My speedo indicates that I am noticably slower at this time of year. My average speed drops by about 2 mph in the mist and rain. I am very aware of manholes covers and leaves.

 

[Davidsw8]

Yep, got my front and rear bike lights on as well as my front and rear lights on my cycle helmet - plus my hi-viz jacket.

Also pays not to cycle quite as fast in case you hit some soggy leaves etc.

 

[Kiwiavenger]

I use bikes for transport rather than fixed route commuting, but the principles are the same.

Go slower if necessary and have all 3 back lights on plus all 3 front ones. (They're bright - dim is no good in fog).

Watch out for plonkers wearing dark clothes, not using lights, and with their eyes and ears switched off.

6 am today. I was on my bike and saw all of those in the dark and thick mist (not quite a fog here today) I was glad I was only going a mile each way.

had something similar, i was climbing, saw a car coming the other way flash a few cars and thought nothing of it.
1/2 mile later 4 joggers running in the road in all black. saw the first 3 easily then went to pull back into the side when i noticed the 4th lagging behind!!!

i just take it easier, no need to rush really and i love the lazer effect of my cateye!! need to upgrade the LED though and stick two of the three rears on flashing and one on constant (the brightest one!)

 

[BentMikey]

Get some real lights. Sorry, but cateyes and superflashes are NOT REAL LIGHTS. They're OK, but they just don't compare to more modern proper lights.

Here's Gaz's video:

 

[akb]

Interesting to read the replies, lights are obviously a must, I am currently set up with 2 front and rear, one on flashing the other on constant.
I was also in my hi-vis Night Vision jacket too which kept most of the moisture away from my base layers and hopefully made me visible to other road users.

Speed; this is something that I am not so sure about. Assuming riding on tarmac, would it not be beneficial to maintain a decent speed to give any driver who hasnt spotted the lights and high vis time to react to overtake or slow down. I am quite lucky in that the road route I use is clear of leaves. There were plenty of close passes this morning, regardless of my road positition. How would be the best way to try and reduce this? I had very little close passes before the weather turned and I strongly belive that this is due to my road positioning which I try to maintain through the winter commute. Or is it that other road users (mainly a small minority of car drivers) drive like nobs when the weather isnt so great.

 

[compo]

I don't commute. In fog I run lights fore and aft of course. I do have to take my glasses off because the moisture in the air just fogs them up and I can't see a thing.