I know that many riders tend to slow down by using the gears only. This means that the brake light is not visible as they lose speed.

The problem with this is you will often lose the safety gap behind you as whoever is following you is unaware that you are slowing down.

The brake light is not just something that happens when you use your brakes. It's much more important than that - it's a signal to other road users.

Specifically it is a signal to the driver behind you telling them that you are slowing down. So any time you are slowing you should always use your brakes, even if you are slowing by changing down gears.

Simply touch that brake lever and get that brake light on. If a driver sees your brake light then their automatic response is to also brake and slow down, causing them to stay back at a safe distance.

So remember "GEARS TO GO, BRAKES TO SLOW". Get that brake light on and keep safe.