Tips for Biking in Snow and Ice
© Sarah B. Hood


Cold-weather cycling can be very enjoyable if you dress well and ride safely.

In northern areas, the pleasures of bike riding can dispel some of the gloom of the cold winter months. Nevertheless, cold winters pose special challenges for cyclists. Here are some tips for making the most of winter riding.

- Beginners will find winter riding to be challenging. It's good to practice before setting out on a serious ride.

- Remember to relax! You'll fare better on slippery surfaces if you don't tense up. Often, your winter riding will improve a lot after the first minor tumble, which is unlikely to be as bad as you thought it would be.

- Snowy and icy pavement can be treacherous. In cities, avoid side streets that are often less frequently cleared than major roads. Avoid manhole covers. Keep both hands on the handlebars, and be prepared for surprises under the snow. Ride in an easy gear, and keep well out in the lane so motorists can give you as much room as you need (the lane may be narrower because of accumulated snow in the gutter). Watch for gusty winds, which can destabilize you.

- Store your bicycle indoors if possible. Find an place in the house, or in a heated garage or porch, where you can lay down an old piece of carpet to catch dripping salt and slush. Clean the bike often (the hot spray at do-it-yourself car washes is a great tool for this!)

- Cold temperatures may cause your brakes to freeze up and cause problems with other mechanical parts. Keep the bicycle well lubed with a product designed for winter. At the beginning of the season, try to seal places where moisture can get in (like the top of the seat tube) by filling them with caulking or even stuffing them with used plastic bags.

- If you don't have fenders, this is a good time to consider trying them. You may wish to use thicker tires on the bike, or deflate yours to the lowest suggested pressure to give yourself more traction on slippery roads (Although some very experienced cyclists like to ride with skinny tires because they say they cut through snow.)

- Visibility is bad in northern winters. You may be out much more often after dark when days are short, so get into the habit of carrying lights and reflective gear all the time. Don't underestimate the blinding effects of the low afternoon sun (both for yourself and for other road users). Wear sunglasses and a helmet with a visor, and anticipate that you are invisible to cars when the sun is at your back.

- Finally, be warned that the highest proportion of traffic accidents happens just after the changeover to daylight savings time, when everyone loses an hour of sleep!