Winter biking 101: How to cycle through sleet and snow

So you’re thinking about winter biking, but you’re worried you’re not hardcore enough. Let me ask you this, what method of getting around in the winter isn’t hardcore in its own right? Living in a cold climate requires a certain degree of fortitude, and deciding to leave your house between November and March, even more so. Does it really even matter how many wheels you have under you once you’ve thrown on those 18 layers of clothing and walked out the front door?

I would argue that driving in the winter is infinitely more terrifying than riding around on a bike, and you also have to deal with shovelling your car out, scraping the windows, and occasionally having the car just not start at all because you decided to settle in Winnipeg. There’s the bus, which requires standing out in the whipping, frostbitten wind waiting 15 minutes for a bus which always runs behind schedule because of all the snow, only for it to arrive and to have to crowd in to its wet, slushy interior packed full of sniffling, sneezing, de-frosting people. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you could take the subway, and do that thing where you get dressed for -33 (-30 C) but then you go into the underground which, on account of all the machinery, remains about 104 degrees (40 C) all winter long so you shock your body into a profuse sweat every single morning and evening. None of these options are relaxing. Walking is admittedly pretty nice, but it’s slow. And occasionally you slip on some ice and throw your chai latte up into the air. So why not try riding your bike?

This isn’t to suggest that winter biking is perfect, but that all the modes are themselves equally flawed. Yet for some reason winter biking is the one mode cast as the domain of only the particularly hardcore. As if there’s nothing hardcore about spending 30 minutes on a packed, slush-bucket of a subway car every morning while you try not to sweat too much knowing it’s only going to freeze when you go back outside. I certainly don’t have the nerve for that.

Most importantly, winter biking is beautiful. Imperfect maybe, but it is quiet and calming, and it’s a way to fall in love with biking all over again as you experience it in a new season. Sure, it takes a little extra preparation and a little extra gear, but the gratification that comes with the ride is well worth it.

So we’ve put together a few tips and tricks to make sure you have the safest and most enjoyable winter biking experience possible. These are all are tips and gear suggestions for winters of the below-freezing and snowy variety. While there is a considerable amount of crossover, if yours is more of a wetter winter, check out our guide to biking in the rain for suggestions for on how to stay safe, dry, and comfortable in wet climates.

How to Bike in the Winter

Start slowly.
There’s no need to sell your car and cancel your bus pass before your first ride. Take a few short trips on your days off to get a feel for it and make sure you enjoy it before you commit to a full-on winter commuting schedule.

Plan ahead
Many cities are now beginning to plow bike lanes. Find out which bike lanes are plowed, and plan your route accordingly. If there are no bike routes, take traffic-calmed back streets where you’re most likely to have the road to yourself.

Get visible!
Falling snow, low-hanging clouds, short days, and dim light all seriously obscure vision. Get yourself a good, bright set (or three) of waterproof bike lights, and don’t leave the house without them.

Adjust your braking
Similar to when driving, you don’t want to slam on the brakes while biking on icy roads. Brake slowly to prevent spinouts, and brake more on the rear wheel. Give yourself twice the amount of time to come to a stop as you would in the summer.

Don’t strap in
One, you really needn’t be going too quickly anyway, but in case you fishtail or start to fall, you’ll want to have your feet free to get them to the ground.

Ride defensively
Even in areas where there are high rates of summertime cycling, most people don’t expect bikes on the roads in the winter, so they often aren’t looking out for you. Give motorists extra space, stay out of blind spots, and make eye contact with drivers whenever possible.

Learn to recognize ice
Black ice forms where snow melts in the sunlight then re-freezes once the sun goes down. Ride carefully in areas which get direct sunlight all day, or anywhere that appears wet on a below-freezing day.

Take the lane
Snow and debris accumulate along the curb, basically taking over the line which most people usually bike in. Ride in the middle of the lane. It will also make you more visible and ensure nobody can pass you without changing lanes.

Maintain your bike
Wipe your bike down every day to avoid rust. Clean and lubricate the chain and gears once a week if you’re riding a bike with a derailleur, and clean and lubricate the brake lines every few weeks. Read our guide on how to maintain your bicycle through winter for a more in-depth look at what you should be doing and why.

Expect to fall
You probably will. Ride slowly and anticipate a slip or two.

Be reasonable
Combine winter-biking with public transit if you have a crazy long trip or you get cold and tired halfway through – nobody says you have to bike the whole way. And as we said, winter biking isn’t about being hardcore. You do it because you love it, not because you have to prove something.

A good reason to invest in a winter bike. Photo by chuddlesworth

If it’s a white-out day and you can’t see your neighbour’s house, you can be sure no motorist is going to see you pedaling along either – you may want to leave the bike at home. Or better yet, leave yourself at home, build a quinzee, and crack out the rum and eggnog. Tis the season!