For the OP. I ride often on my own, and often this is when my OH is on the other side of the pond. I do the following:

  • make sure I'm in distinctive clothes so as many people as possible notice me
  • say hello to everyone I pass who's on foot or bike, and acknowlege every driver who passes me. If anything were to happen, I want to know that there would be as many people as possible who were sure that they'd seen me
  • I did a basic maintenance course and carry a spare tube/tools with me.
  • I do a basic check before every ride (tyres and brakes)
  • Carry a fully charged mobile, number of a taxi company, water and snacks
  • I'm also considering checking in/out of every ride on FB, including outfit & bike details for those rides when my OH
is abroad.