Cycling in Winter Conditions

Tips for Biking in Snow and Ice

Jul 26, 2007

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.

Winter Cycling Tips for Beginners

Beginners will find winter riding to be challenging. It’s good to practice before setting out on a serious ride. Remember to relax! Cyclists fare better on slippery surfaces when they aren't tensed up. Often, a bike rider's winter performance improves a lot after the first minor tumble, which is unlikely to be as bad as expected.

Snowy and icy pavement can be treacherous; some hints:

In cities, avoid side streets that are often less frequently cleared than major roads.
Avoid manhole covers, streetcar tracks and other metal objects, which become extra-slippery in cold weather.
Keep both hands on the handlebars, and be prepared for surprises under the snow.
Ride in an easy gear.
Keep well out in the lane to force motorists to yield when the lane is narrower because of accumulated snow in the gutter.
Watch for gusty winds, which can destabilize a rider.
If a bike starts to fishtail on a slippery surface, the best approach is to continue pedalling slowly but firmly; however, the most experienced riders say there's never any shame in putting a foot down to prevent a fall.
Be aware that the highest proportion of traffic accidents happens just after the spring changeover out of daylight savings time, when everyone loses an hour of sleep!

Winter Bicycle Care and Maintenance

The bicycle should be stored indoors if possible. Find a place in the house, or in a heated garage or porch, where an old piece of carpet can be laid down to catch dripping salt and slush.
Clean the bike regularly (the hot spray at do-it-yourself car washes is a great tool for this!)
Cold temperatures may cause brakes to freeze up and cause problems with other mechanical parts. Keep the bicycle chain especially 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.
Cushioned handlebar tape will keep hands warmer. Some cyclists even wind medical adhesive tape around brake levers for added insulation between cold metal and hands.

Winter Bicycle Gear, Clothing and Equipment

For cyclists who don't normally use fenders, this is a good time to consider trying them.
Some cyclists use thicker tires on the bike, or deflate them to the lowest suggested pressure to give themselves more traction on slippery roads (However, some others 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 cyclists and motorists). Wear sunglasses and a helmet with a visor; also remember that riders may be invisible to cars when the sun is at their back.
Lip balm and moisturizer for hands and face can be very welcome before and after a winter ride.
Don't forget to keep hydrated even though it's not hot and sunny outside!

Dressing for Winter Cycling

Dress in layers to conserve warmth, and also because cycling builds up body heat fast; it may be necessary to remove a layer after the first 20 minutes on the bike. In really cold weather, both the body and the legs should have a soft, fleecy layer closer to the skin and a windproof shell outside. Proper cycling gear is made with zip features to allow for underarm ventilation and other variations. Denim jeans are not sufficient for cold-weather riding but – perhaps surprisingly – pantihose or stockings do offer a little insulation when used as an under-layer.
Adjust bike helmet straps to allow for comfortable wearing of a close-fitting wool or synthetic-fibre toque or a headband.
A scarf or neck warmer can be a vital item because it keeps cold air from entering the front closure of a winter coat, and can be quickly removed if it's not needed.
On the hands, a close-fitting pair of lightweight gloves (even drugstore gloves made with Thinsulate) is a good first layer, with a more tighly-woven, wind- and waterproof outer shell. Bike gloves will often fit over light gloves. It's still a good idea to carry a Gore-Tex-type shell mitten. These are sometimes shaped like "lobster claws", with a division between the second and third finger to allow for extra dexterity.
On the feet, clip-in cycling shoes are very cold, because they have a metal plate built into the sole. Some northern bike messengers ride with heavy hiking shoes and double socks, either of natural wool or a high-tech synthetic fibre. Some cyclists like to wear full-foot booties over indoor shoes; others make do with ordinary winter footwear and double socks.

Winter in some parts of the world is merely dark and chilly; in others, it's life-threateningly cold, with heavy snow. Either way, winter cyclists are wise to assemble a good kit with extras in case a mitt or light goes missing or gets damaged or wet. This is a good time of year to stash some extra items in panniers, a desk drawer at work, or the pocket of a habitually used knapsack. When it's time for that long February commute through the unexpected blizzard, it's good to be prepared.

The copyright of the article Cycling in Winter Conditions in Cycling & Mountain Biking is owned by Sarah B. Hood. Permission to republish Cycling in Winter Conditions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.