I have ridden in thunder and lightning before, but today, the clouds were low enough that the lightning was striking the ground!
I rode home on my shopping bike at a speed that Lance Armstrong would be proud of ...
Where are I am roofing in Richmond at the mo well had to stop work due to lighteningI have ridden in thunder and lightning before, but today, the clouds were low enough that the lightning was striking the ground!
I rode home on my shopping bike at a speed that Lance Armstrong would be proud of ...
Hi,
I have never actually had to use these techniques, but I've done quite a lot of research on this as I'm often in areas where lightning could be a danger. This is what I've heard:
Hope that helps!
- Lightning always looks for the fastest way to reach the ground, so make sure you're not the tallest thing around, or you're not near the tallest thing around. For example, if you're in a very flat, featureless area or on the top of a hill you may yourself become a target; if you are looking for shelter underneath an isolated tree, you are in danger (lightening striking the tree). However, you can seek shelter in a forest, just try to keep a safe distance from the taller trees.
- You mustn't be lying down if you notice that lightening is coming towards your position. Instead, squat down onto the tips of your feet with your heels touching each other (not the most comfortable of positions!) - and don't touch the floor with your hands. Lightening can actually travel along the floor. This position will ensure that any electricitly will not pass through your heart (which would be the case if you were lying down). Some people suggest standing on roll mats etc to provide extra insulation, but I don't know if, considering the amount of electricity we're talking about here, this would really be effective.
- Caves do not provide safe shelter for the same reason: the electricity can still pass through the ground.
- If you're in a group, separate out. That way, if one person is hit, the others should be safe-(ish)
- Keep away from lakes and the sea.
- If you can get into a car, get into it! If lightening strikes, so long as the car isn't convertible and all the windows are up, it'll become a Faraday cage and protect you.
- Some people say that you should keep away from metal - which means your bike!
- Don't forget to protect your ears! Bust eardrums are a real possibility. I don't know how much protection they provide, but I always take good quality ear plugs when I'm out touring.
- Flash flooding is probably a bigger risk than the lightning, so be alert as to where they may happen
I hope this passes over London before I cycle home.
I guess in any large city you can hope that the lightning will hit the taller buildings and ignore the little cyclist. Is that about right?