Fall & Winter Cycling Tips

I just started riding my bike regularly this summer, and now that it's getting cold, I thought I'd see what the internet has to say about bike commuting when it gets cold.

It turns out there's a lot of information out there, many written by people who live in much colder weather than Philadelphia- at least judging by their advice to follow dog-sled tracks. And if you are actually interested in commuting in places like Alaska, I've included links to more comprehensive resources below.

• Ride more slowly when it is wet or icy. Pump the brakes, keep your weight stable and on the back wheel, and don't lean into turns as much. Watch out for extra-slippery hazards like trolley tracks, manholes, grates, etc.

• Dress in layers. A simple way to think of layering is the three-layer approach: the innermost layer is the base layer (or underlayer), the middle layer is for insulation, and the outer layer is the wind/rain/snow protection layer.
  

• You don't have to go buy expensive outdoor gear to dress comfortably. While more expensive waterproof shells can offer better protection against rain and more ventilation, it's easy to find a cheap nylon shell or windbreaker. Check at your local department store, thrift store, or general clothing store. These Tips on Thrifty Dressing for Winter show you how to put together a full-body cold-weather outfit for under $40.

• In full winter, cotton underlayers will absorb sweat and then make you cold (unfortunately, that includes t-shirts). If you're getting cold on your commute, try synthetic or wool fabrics as an underlayer, like work-out clothes, which pull moisture away from your body. Thin synthetic pants can be pulled over jeans or work pants and then taken off when you get to work- especially if you get the snap-off kind.

• Key body parts to protect while winter bicycling are your hands, feet, and face.

• Be predictable! In winter weather it's harder to break, and visibility is worse. That means it's harder for cars to see you, and stop before hitting you. Avoid going the wrong way down one way streets, weaving, and blowing intersections.

• Use lights. Whenever visibility is bad, even if it's not raining or snowing, lights will make you more visible to cars. They are legally required -and a good idea for safety- when it's dark out. Extra tip: Using rechargeable batteries can save you a lot of money.

• Consider alternate routes for bad weather. Some roads might have more dangerous spots, steep hills that feel unsafe, or motorists that are prone to drive too fast even when roads are slippery.
  

• Fenders are great for keeping you, and your bike, clean in nasty weather. They can range from inexpensive snap-on kinds to more expensive, stylish ones.

For more info:
-SF Bike Coalition's helpful Wet Weather Riding video
-BIY, Bike-It-Yourself: Bike Through Winter- More extensive tips than are listed here.
-Chicago Bike Winter's comprehensive list of tips and resources for riding in winter.
-Bike Toronto has Cold-Weather How-To's for Bicycle Choice and Equipment, Maintenance, and Keeping Warm and Dry.