It can feel great to build up some speed on your bike. Still, it's important to adjust your speed and slow down when necessary. This might be if poor weather has made the road slippery, for example, but also when it's busy and you have to consider the safety of other road users, like cyclists or pedestrians.

Most accidents happen because we fail to notice hazards in time or react too slowly. That's why you need to keep your eyes on the road and avoid being distracted by your smartphone. Make eye contact with people crossing your path. If they're not looking at you, they might not have seen you. 

If your vision is impaired, due to the weather for example, it's more difficult to assess a dangerous situation. It's therefore best to wear lenses instead of glasses, so that you can see more clearly in the rain and you don't have to deal with any fogging up.

There's an art to keeping your bike under control in all conditions, especially now that more than half of all bicycles sold are equipped with electric pedal assistance. 

Check and see if everything is okay before you head out. It's important to check your brakes, tyres, saddle height and pedals. You should also carefully test your bike in a safe place to see how it behaves when you have to suddenly brake hard or swerve. 

Look out for:

• A safe route, which might not always be the shortest or fastest way, but is often a nicer way to cycle
• Leave some leeway in your planning, so you don't have to rush into traffic

As soon as the sun is shining, it's easy to feel the itch to go cycling. If you want to stay safe in the saddle however, it's a good idea to prepare for a few risks. When getting ready to take your bike back onto the road, a check-up at a cycle shop (which can be paid for with eco vouchers) is not some unnecessary luxury!

In the summer, it stays warm outside longer, so you can enjoy your bike rides later in the day. If you cycle after dark, make sure you have a white front light and reflector, red rear light and reflector, orange or yellow reflectors on the pedals and orange or yellow reflectors or white reflective tape on the wheels.

If you're determined to brave the cold, you should know that the real die-hards are armed with our tips for cycling during the harsh winter months.

January is the month with the most bicycle accidents. It's no coincidence that it's also the darkest month of the year, often with slippery roads and snowfall. Be extra careful and adjust your speed in freezing weather.

Regardless of the conditions, it's a good idea to wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothes when out on your bike. Finally, your cycling gear should always include a helmet irrespective of whether the roads are slippery or not.

Check your tyres: a firm profile and a little less air in the tyresgives a better grip on a slippery road. You can also get winter tyres for bikes!

If you have an electric bike, make sure your battery is charged as cold weather drains your battery faster.

Be sure to check that your chain hasn't gotten too dirty with snow or mud. Proper lubrication with chain oil works wonders!

Cycle safe, and have fun!