So, the cold air is swooping in and you may be thinking, time to hang up the old bicycle for the winter. But not so fast! I’m here to tell you that cycling in the winter can actually be a really doable, cost-effective, and dare I say, enjoyable experience. Cycling is an incredible way to save money, get outside, and maintain your fitness without having to worry about getting to the gym. And with these five quick tips you can keep reaping the many benefits of cycling right through the fall and winter months!
1. Layer-up!
There is no time for vanity if you want to stick it out through the winter cycling. I have learned the hard way one too many times. So, let’s take this whole layering process bottom to top:
- Feet: Serious winter boots that will protect your toes from the wind (I have Sorels and find they offer my feet a lot of protection); thick winter socks (with good boots I find my regular winter socks are fine but you can also get winter hiking socks for really cold days)
- Legs: Snow pants! Don’t shy away from the snow pants, my friends. We had it right as kids, they make a great top layer when it gets below -10; leggings for under regular pants or snow pants
- Upper body: T-shirts, long-sleeves, sweaters, hoodies — mix and match and layer up as much as you need; a longer, good quality jacket (one that goes below your bum is ideal for keeping that bitter wind from hitting your belly, and invest in a good-quality one that can contend with the wind that will be coming at you); gloves that will allow you to grip, steer, brake, etc. and resist the wind
- Head: I have an ear warmer and hat I choose from depending on how cold it is; scarf and/or buff to cover your neck and lower face; sunglasses to keep the wind out, or if you want to go all out and wear some ski goggles, I support that!
Keep in mind it is always better to overdress than to underdress. If the question pops into your head, “is one layer of pants enough?” The answer is without a doubt, NO. Yes you may feel silly biking around in two pairs of pants, three top layers, a parka the size of a small bear and a scarf wrapped around 90% of your face but you can always take layers off. And when you’re all toasty cruising down the street basking in the glow of not having to be shuffling on the sidewalk waiting for the bus, you will be really pleased with your decision.
2. Learn your temperature zones
It may take time but eventually you’ll learn how to dress to be comfortable in whatever weather’s coming your way. For instance, for me, 0-10 degrees C is just pants, a lighter, hip-length coat, gloves and an ear warmer, 0 to -10 I go to my knee-length coat, wear my knee-high wind-resistant boots and add in a scarf/buff; -10 to -20 is a definite double pants, my thickest socks, an extra hoodie/sweater and both my buff and my scarf. But then I’ve also seen a bike messenger who delivers all day in short shorts even if it’s 20 below and snowing. So I leave you to find your own preferences.
3. Stay safe
Cycling at any time of the year can be dangerous but when you add in the extra hours of darkness and the increased potential for slick, icy roads, there are certainly extra reasons to take safety precautions when biking in the winter. Lights for the front and back of your bike are crucial, and lights for your helmet are a great idea too. Wearing reflective clothing and/or adding reflective tape to your bike are great safety measures as well. And of course, don’t go anywhere without your helmet!
4. Don’t take risks
When I first started commuting downtown last year I really didn’t think I would bike through the winter. But I had a friend who did it and she convinced me to give it a try. The one piece of advice she gave me was that if the Weather Network predicted snow with a decent degree of certainty she left her bike at home. And that’s what I did. Slipping and sliding over the road is not my idea of fun. Nor is figuring out how to get my bike home on transit. So if snow is in the forecast or there is snow or ice on the ground, I play it safe and don’t take my bike. Sure, every once in a while I grumble that it didn’t actually snow or that it warms up and everything melts, but better safe than sorry. I’m sure there are cyclists out there with heavy duty snow tires and if you want to be that cyclist, good on ya! But for the average cyclist, I say be safe and avoid any chance of hitting snow or ice. If you live in a city that gets heaps of snow that doesn’t melt readily this may mean less biking but putting your safety first is most important.
5. Have fun!
Okay, so if I haven’t scared you off from cycling through the winter with all my talk of how dark, cold and icy it gets, the reason I bike through the winter (other than of course saving money and getting a great workout in!) is I actually really enjoy it! When you bike in the winter you have the bike lanes practically to yourself and you don’t have to worry about being disgustingly sweaty when you arrive wherever you’re going (so long as you de-layer as needed!) The air is refreshing and although you may have to contend with the wind, it’s a lot less cold biking along with your blood pumping than standing at a bus stop or sitting in the car waiting for it to heat up!
I really hope you’ll give biking through the winter a try this year. Even if you just make it an extra few weeks — that’s some extra cash in your pocket and a few great workouts you wouldn’t have had otherwise! Happy winter riding!
Excellent…very informative.