Oxford has been badly flooded, once again. The papers, online news, Facebook and Twitter are full of comments from poor commuters who have wasted hours of their lives trying to get to work in extreme weather conditions and I’ve read no end of moaning comments about how many hours it has taken to drive less than 15 miles.

Botley Road was closed for five days and Abingdon Road was shut for even longer. Conversely, the comment boards have been quiet on the cycling front. Cycling commutes have, in fact, been elevated in terms of enjoyment in areas closed to motors. There has been tragedy for one Oxford cyclist however, when Ian Taylor of West Oxford attempted to navigate the floods in Wytham.

Although an active man, he got into difficulties and fell into flood water. After being taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in a life-threatening condition, he later died. I was really shocked and saddened to hear of his death. It certainly makes you think twice about which route to take through the flooded streets. But all in all, it would seem the trusty bicycle is certainly trumping the motor in these times of flooding. If you have found yourself driving through Oxford in the last week and got stuck in the traffic jams, I really feel for you, but cycling past angry and bored drivers around Jericho and Summertown, which has been a daily occurrence for me, hasn’t failed to leave me feeling slightly smug. I understand how novice riders may feel intimidated out there. With cycle paths closed as well as roads, cyclists have no other choice than to switch to main roads. With hidden dangers beneath puddles and risks of drenching when the heavens do open, it’s fair to assume there are quite a few cycle converts gingerly making their way back to other forms of transport.

If, like me, you will not forsake your way of life in these trying times, I have a few suggestions that may make your cycling easier. Firstly, invest in some good waterproofs. They are not hard to come by, I even have trousers with zips up both sides for easy access.

Secondly, forget fancy shoes. Dig your walking boots out. They can be an expensive investment and hardly flattering but, by heck, do they keep you dry. Failing that, overshoes can help, but that’s just one more extra item of clothing to worry about, and they look pretty weird when you’re in the food aisles.

Don’t forget your hands. Most gloves I own and more often than not the ones you get for Christmas won’t be waterproof. Get some that are or, better still, treat the ones you have with waterproofing.

Finally, if it starts to hammer down and you can’t see the wood for the trees, get off and push. The same goes if you see a massive puddle. That’s the beauty of cycling, we always have an alternative to keep us moving.

Like the old sayings go, better to be safe than sorry and better to arrive late than never.