Winter biking keeps your heart warm
Throughout much of the country, we’re in the heart of that time of year characterized by frozen precipitation, darkness, and cinnamon scented candles. For many people, it’s time to hang up the bike and hibernate. Certainly there are compelling reasons why it might be safer or smarter to leave your bike at home during the winter. Bah humbug, we say to that! Winter biking is one of life’s great pleasures.
Wintertime is when bicycling for short trips really makes sense. There’s no time to get cold during a 10-minute ride. Also, it’s not necessary to suit up in cycling-specific neoprene gear—that wool sweater will work just fine. Besides, by the time you’ve scraped the ice off your car windows, you could have already arrived at your destination by bike.
Picking the right route is key. Take the back streets, if you can. On small neighborhood streets, you don’t have to worry as much about car traffic. It also gives you the chance to scope out who has built the biggest snowman. Heck—maybe you can even join in! Well-maintained bike paths are also a great way to travel in the winter, although not every city is diligent about keeping them clear and ice-free.
Need some inspiration? Look no further than Minneapolis, Minnesota, where some of the hardiest winter bike commuters exist. On the city’s Midtown Greenway, cyclists still make 15,000 trips per month in the winter, despite average temperature highs in the 20s. Yet, you don’t have to be a practiced snow rider to stay on your bike when the snowflakes fly. When big snowstorms unexpectedly hit the typically rainy and temperate Portland, Oregon last year, 69% of cyclists surveyed said that they kept riding despite the severe weather and the poor road conditions that accompanied it.
Why pedal through the winter? For short trips it can be faster than driving. If there’s a chance you’ll spin out of control on snowy and icy roads, it’s cheaper and likely safer to do it on a bicycle on a back street than in a car on a busy road. It keeps you active during the time of year when it’s hard to stay motivated to exercise (earn that eggnog!). But, most importantly, nothing compares to the sheer joy of leaving fresh tire tracks in a layer of new snow.
Here are some of our winter riding tips. Share yours below or on our facebook or twitter pages!
1) Got a mountain bike? These are great winter commuting steeds.
2) If it’s slushy out, a fender (or two) works wonders in keeping you dry.
3) Ski helmets make for warm bike helmets.
4) Boots and flat pedals are convenient and make it easier to put a foot down in squirrely conditions.
5) Ride slowly and relax!
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