For many, the last thing they want to do is trade their nice, warm car for a bicycle at this time of year, and even if you’re playing with the idea the increasing rain and impending snow is probably your number one concern. But with a little preparation and perspective winter biking isn’t as bad you might think.

Winter biking takes preparation but it is just as much an improvement for your life as biking any other time of year. For some of us, that fresh air even feels better when its cold?it seems that much more fresh and invigorating. And you will find you aren’t cold at all once you get out there pedaling.

A lot of people find themselves struggling to keep from being too hot, especially if they made the mistake of throwing on a big winter jacket. Just some decent warm clothes will be all you need once your heart is pumping. Remember that multiple layers create more of an insulating effect than big bulk jackets. You don’t need thickness to stay warm – try wearing a t-shirt and a couple long sleeves instead.

Also, you have to be more careful riding a bike in the winter. If the concrete is icy or wet it can get pretty slippery, but cars are more likely to be involved in accidents in these conditions too. You just have to think about the conditions before you hop on your bike and take the same precautionary measures. One thing to really think about is that if the weather is particularly ugly it is more difficult to see you, so take heed on blind corners and intersections.

A solid helmet is a must in this kind of weather even if it is not required by law. You might not be going that fast, but make no mistake, if you slip on a bad patch of ice and your head hits the pavement you can be seriously injured. To minimize the risks of these incidents, get some tires with really good traction. Mountain biking tires are a great choice but if you have the money and will be riding in extreme conditions then try to get some winter tires.

Eye gear is also helpful to keep the rain and slush tossed up from passing vehicles out of your eyes. Some are fine with sunglasses; others prefer some cool-looking snowboarding goggles. Good lights are a must for any serious commuter if you plan to ride at night. Your eyes usually adjust to the dark enough to see, so the headlight is more for being visible to other drivers. Also, in many places it is the law. I like the lights with the pulse option because I think a flash is more eye-catching.

It’s not necessary, and a lot of bicyclists don’t like to have extra weight up so high when riding, but I like to have a quality backpack when I’m riding because I usually have my laptop with me. Victorinox, the company that makes Swiss Army knives, sells some really quality packs with great organization. It is also nice for keeping paperwork, my cell phone, my long-sleeved shirt if I get too hot, and water or food.

Take your bike to the shop before winter starts and get a tune-up. Or learn to do the maintenance yourself – it’s really a good skill for a regular bicyclist to have.

Some people even consider winter cycling a way to enjoy some sport in the cold season, and in particularly snow-blanketed times it can certainly be just as exhilarating. This is a good mentality to cultivate. It’s nice to take a break from being an adult and get in a little “play” on the way to the daily grind. Enjoy your ride!

Tags: auto, Bicycle, Cycling, Tire, Transportation, Victorinox

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This entry was posted on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 8:00 am and is filed under Mainstream and Green, Transportation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.