I have just recieved an email from Mary in Canada who has suggested the following:

1. Dress like a Christmas tree, including electric lights. Small LED light devices can be purchased in bike and sports stores in red or colorless light, and set on steady or flashing modes. These are visible much sooner than reflective strips are. I say this having driven to work in the dark behind a keen cyclist in our snowy Canadian winter. I even have a new Saucony shirt in bright traffic-stopping orange fabric, with reflective patches AND a detachable LED.

2. Use a small headlamp to light your path as well as increase your visibility. These can be purchased in camping or outdoor stores and are very light in weight. I have also seen caps with lights incorporated into the front edge of the brim.

3. On icy routes attach gripping devices, such as Yak Trax to your shoes or wear spikes.