General Planning & Safety Advice For Cycling

The amount of clothing and equipment you require will depend on the amount of time you plan to cycle, the type of cycle trail and the weather conditions. When cycling in the Irish outdoors it is always recommended to:

1. Bring a waterproof jacket.
2. Wear walking boots or shoes suitable for use on rough ground.
3. Bring plenty of food and liquids.
4. Bring a mobile phone, but while a mobile phone may be useful in an emergency, it should not be relied on as a safety aid as network coverage is often poor in the hills and countryside.
5. Bring a map, hat, gloves, waterproof over-trousers, torch, whistle, personal First Aid kit 

1. Use a map to keep track of where you are and the progress you are making along the line of the trail.
2. If in a group, stay together and watch out for each other.
3. Be aware of traffic if walking on roads.
4. Watch for changes in the weather, if it deteriorates be prepared to alter the route or turn back.
5. Don't rush, take breaks, and most importantly enjoy yourself!

If you think you are lost:

1. Don't panic, look at what's around you and think about where you have cycled and the last place you saw a waymarker or signpost. You may have missed a waymarker or there may be one missing so you may have to go retrace your steps.
2. Study the map and try to work out your location, your direction of travel, where you are now and where you are going.
3. If still lost, look for alternative routes like roads and tracks that may also get you back on the correct route.

In the event of a more serious emergency or accident:

1. You can telephone the Mountain Rescue Service (call 999 or 112, and ask for Mountain Rescue) - Mountain Rescue is a voluntary service and should only be contacted in a genuine emergency!
2. If you need to send people to telephone for help, make sure they can find their way and give details of the group's location and the nature of any injuries.
3. Treat any injuries to the best of your ability and make the casualty as warm and comfortable as possible.
4. Ensure the other members of the group are also safe and comfortable as it may take a number of hours for help to arrive.