Tips for Biking in Wet Weather
© Sarah B. Hood


For most commuter cyclists and touring cyclists, rain is a fact of life. Here are some tips for making your ride in the rain safer and more comfortable.

Rain comes from all directions when you’re riding a bike: down from the sky, up from your wheels, and sideways, both driven by wind and splashed by cars. Therefore, before you even leave home, you should take steps to protect yourself and you clothes from all that water with some of this cycling rain gear.

1. Your wheels spurt a steady stream of water up at your ankles (from the front tire) and up your back (from the rear). Fenders make all the difference. Many bikes for kids and commuters already have metal fenders installed, but sporty bikes generally don’t. Inexpensive, removable plastic fenders that simply clip or screw on are a great investment. (Topeak fenders are a good choice.) Why arrive at work looking like a wet skunk with a stripe of mud up your back and damp underpants if you can spend $15-$25 to arrive dry?

2. Rainproof cycling clothes made of wonderful, waterproof and breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex are available in specialty shops. However, for everyday bike commuters, a regular lightweight raincoat goes a long way. Serious, frequent riders will enjoy owning a pair of rain pants. For surprise showers, it’s handy to carry even the cheapest plastic rain poncho (they can cost as little as $1) in a pocket, purse, backpack or pannier.

3. Your shoes will get wet, so consider bringing a change of footwear and socks. For heavy rain and long distances, full-footed cycling booties and gaiters (leg covers) are an option, but they can cost a significant amount of money ($25-$75).

4. Yes, you can actually ride with an umbrella, but it doesn’t protect you from all the water that blows from unexpected directions. Sports glasses or goggles and a helmet with a visor will be of much more use.

5. Tuck a shower cap or plastic bag in with your regular gear so you can use it to cover your seat when you park your bike outdoors in wet weather. You’ll be grateful not to have to get back on a damp seat.

6. While locking, position your lock so that water doesn’t run into the keyhole. (These days some locks even have little rotating keyhole covers.)

Once you’re on the road, bear in mind the following tips:

1. When your brakes become wet, your stopping time will increase a lot. Ride slower in wet weather, and practice braking if you’re not used to it. Pump your brakes gently while going down hills; this will reduce your speed slightly and dry your tires a bit as you go.

2. Puddles can be surprisingly deep, and can conceal glass and bumpy things, so avoid them. This is just one more reason to ride a bit farther from the curb; about one yard (a metre) is recommended by many bike safety experts.

3. Wet leaves are treacherous. Try to avoid riding through them, and especially avoid turning sharply on them unless you want to end up skidding through a messy puddle.

4. Finally, remember that motor vehicles also have less control and visibility in wet weather, so pay special attention to what they’re doing when it rains.