By Kat
Kat works at Calhoun Cycles and is the head facilitator at Grease Rag Uptown, which takes place at Sunrise Cyclery on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Kat is a year-round cyclist biking through her fifth winter, and was nice enough to write up some tips and tricks about how to safely handle your bike in all conditions.
Safety & Handling
Biking in the winter can be fun and efficient if you dress well, stay safe, and practice smart riding. Once you’re used to the colder temps and the feel of fresh snow under your tire, it is a whole lot of fun!
BE SAFE, BE VISIBLE
Less daylight means we bike in the dark more often during winter – and drivers aren’t expecting to see cyclists in the streets this time of year. Bright colored and reflective clothing, combined with front and rear lights are essential. Mounting a light on your helmet allows you to direct the light as your turn your head, and it helps with seeing over snow banks. I use my lights during the daytime when it is precipitating, as well as at night.
TAKE THE LANE
Another way to be seen on the road is to position yourself in a predictable place. When there’s snow on the ground, bike lanes often become storage space for plowed snow. Because the road is narrower, the safest place to ride is in the right tire track of the road.
Don’t worry about getting over to the right so cars can pass you. Ride where you feel safest. Keep in mind that it takes longer to slow and stop on snow and ice. This is true for bikes and cars. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
RIDING IN SNOW & ICE
If you haven’t ridden your bike in snow before, it’s a good idea to practice in a parking lot or on a side street before venturing out into traffic. First, lower your seat a bit so you can easily put a foot down if needed.
Stay loose on the handle bars. Being in an upright riding position is helpful.
Practice making slow, wide turns. Don’t try to turn on ice – just go straight, and turn when you have traction again.
Don’t slam on your brakes – that will cause your wheels to lock up, and you will slip. But, don’t be afraid to fall. You’ll be wearing loads of clothes, so it won’t hurt as much. We all fall in the winter, it’s OK!
It helps to look 10-20 feet ahead of your front wheel so you can react to the changing conditions. Your rear wheel may fishtail a bit, but keep calm and pedal through it.
TAKE THE TRAILS
The Midtown Greenway and Light Rail Trail, as well as many other off-road bike trails are plowed in the winter. They don’t use salt or sand on the trails, so they’re easier on your bike. Riding the bike trails offers a car-free, well plowed route. Experiment with different routes!
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (I.C.E.)
This should apply year-round. Always have tools to fix a flat with you – a spare tube, tire levers, wrench, and pump. Have the phone number of a friend or taxi in case you need a ride home. Pack an extra pair of socks – they are worth more than their weight.