‘Cows can be quite naughty…especially if they have horns’ – Bikes, bulls and bovines with calves are not a good mix

Cycling Weekly has published a rather essential guide for cyclists navigating rural landscapes, focusing on the unexpected dangers posed by cattle. The article, titled ‘Cows can be quite naughty…especially if they have horns’, outlines how to avoid potentially fatal encounters with bovines, particularly during calving season. It highlights that bikes, bulls, and cows with calves are a dangerous combination, offering practical advice to mitigate risks for riders exploring the countryside.

This seemingly niche topic underscores a growing concern as more cyclists venture beyond urban confines, often encountering livestock in unfamiliar settings. With gravel riding and bikepacking increasing in popularity, riders are less confined to tarmac and more likely to cross pastures or bridleways where cattle graze. The advice isn't just for novice riders; even seasoned pros have recounted close calls, reminding us that the bucolic backdrop of a stage race can, for the everyday rider, present genuine, albeit overlooked, hazards.

Ultimately, while the peloton battles gravity and each other, the average cyclist must contend with a more primal, horned adversary. A timely reminder that not all dangers on two wheels are aerodynamic.