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CHICAGO, ILL. (AP) -- Many bicyclists continue to ride in the winter.

UnitedHealthcare of Illinois offers these safety tips:

- Use flashing lights, headlights and reflectors on bike gear and clothing. Being visible is always important, but even more so during the darker and snowy winter months.

- Dress in layers. Use waterproof gloves that grip the handlebars well, wear a cycle-friendly winter coat that's breathable and made of water- and windproof material, and keep your feet warm with waterproof overshoes.

- Make sure you have good snow tires on your bike and apply an all-weather lubricant to the chain and any other parts where metal meets metal. Install fenders to keep you, and your bike, clean in nasty weather.

- Take turns and curves at a slower speed, and allow longer distances for braking.

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