Yes, You Can
November/December 2008

Keep Up Your Bike Commute in Winter

How to brave the wettest, coldest time of year and arrive at work happy.
By Lucy Burningham

With rising gas prices and global warming, it’s time to park the car and hop on a bicycle. Although riding a bike during the winter may seem daunting, it’s completely doable, especially when you consider that going everywhere from work to the library by bike will pad the wallet, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase your fitness level.

And while it’s easy to come up with a list of reasons not to ride - especially when you’re facing snow, slush, and rain - every potential problem comes with a simple solution. Besides, you’ll feel better when you arrive by bicycle than you would if you drove a car. Even in the winter. Guaranteed. Consider it an act of selfishness. Get in a good state of mind.

Unfortunately, all the perks don’t guarantee an easy start. Even experienced commuters struggle to get in the saddle during the shortest days of the year.

You’ve got to be mentally prepared. "Mind-set is the biggest challenge," says Kristi Wood, who commutes by bike year-round in Anchorage, Alaska. "Eighty percent of bike commuting happens above the shoulders."

Braving subzero temperatures, limited daylight, and a route that takes her through homeless camps, Kristi says the benefits of riding her bike still outweigh driving, including saving money, keeping one more car off the road, and not having to buy a gym membership.

"The exercise and fresh air work miracles for my mental well-being," she says. "When I get to work, I am in a positive mood and ready to start the workday. By the time I get home, I feel 100 percent recovered from the stress of the day and am ready to relax with my family."

Start by setting a reachable goal - say, riding your bike to work two or three times a week - to take some pressure off yourself. And ride on the days that make sense. "I want my bike commute to be the fun part of my day, so if something comes up that makes riding seem stressful, I drive," says Alisha Hilde, who commutes to school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. "Those drive days are rare, but they give me the freedom to view riding as something I get to do."

Also consider working public transportation into your bike commute. Try riding one way (during the nicer time of the day) and putting your bike on a bus for the other leg. Don’t give yourself the opportunity to back out in the morning. Commit to riding the night before. Pack your bags for work and set aside your clothing. Do a quick check of the bike for tire pressure and any mechanical problems. Pick a bike, any bike. You can commute on any kind of bicycle, from something sleek with skinny tires to an old, trusty cruiser."I know a number of people who bought old beaters from craigslist for next to nothing and are quite happy with the bikes for commuting," says Kristi, who commutes on a mountain bike without suspension.

If you already have a bike, use it. Once you start riding on a regular basis, you can consider fit, weight, and other factors for getting your ideal commuter bike. No matter what you ride, attach two fenders to the frame, which will keep mud and water from splashing your body and legs. Also attach a rack to the front or back for panniers, baskets, or anything you can strap down with a bungee cord. In below-freezing temperatures, studded tires will prevent slipping on ice and snow. And rainy-weather commuters should consider getting disc brakes, which stop wheels quickly no matter how wet the tires.

Dress for success. Wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing will drastically affect how much you enjoy your ride. Some women choose to ride in clothes appropriate for their workplace; others like to change once they get there. Plan to arrive at your destination a few minutes early to give your body a chance to cool down. Wet climates call for breathable, waterproof gear: jacket, pants, booties, and a helmet cover during heavy downpours.

For cold, snowy weather, wear layers, starting with long underwear; a waterproof jacket and pants will block wind. Remember, your body will warm up quickly when riding, so don’t overdress. Never consider the weather a barrier to riding, says Sharon Huber, who lives in rainy Portland, Oregon, and has been commuting to work by bike for 10 years.

"Once I’m out on a dreary rainy day and moving, I actually enjoy it," she says. "You appreciate any kind of weather if you’re not always hiding from it."

Remember, you don’t have to look like a hardcore cyclist. Depending on the length of your ride, you might opt not to wear a chamois. The same goes for clipless pedals with bike shoes. Think instead about simple functionality. Sharon prefers to ride in professional-looking clothes made of stretchy materials that have thin seams and won’t wrinkle. She wears capris or leggings that don’t need to be rolled up to avoid the chain and shoes with treads that prevent her feet from slipping off the pedals.

Invest in a stash of cheap ankle straps to wrap around wide pant legs. Get a few sets of warm gloves with grip on the palms and fingers and a beanie or cycling cap that will fit under your helmet. And remember that what you wear can help keep you safe. Be visible by wearing bright-colored clothing with reflective strips. And always, always wear a helmet.

Carry cargo. As a general rule, riding a bike while wearing a backpack puts unnecessary strain on your back (and will help soak your shirt with sweat). Instead, try a messenger bag with one padded shoulder strap. Even better, let your bike carry the weight by attaching panniers or baskets to racks. Panniers come in all shapes and sizes. Many are waterproof; some have pockets for keys, cell phones, and laptops. "I use a bomb-proof, watertight bag from Basil year-round to keep things dry," says Sharon.

Keep empty panniers attached to your bike for unexpected loads, from a stack of files to a baguette. To lighten your load, consider taking a supply of clothing and shoes to work on a day when you drive. Head the right way. If you’re not out for a joyride, plan your route ahead of time. Check your city or county’s website for information about bike paths and lanes. Use as many as possible. Otherwise, avoid high-traffic roads and dangerous intersections.

If you’re curious about distances, plot your ride on Gmaps Pedometer (www.gmap-pedometer.com). Leave early, giving yourself time for unforeseen slowdowns, such as construction, traffic jams, or a flat tire. Be safe. Take extra precaution in the winter. Leave more space between you and cars. Navigate turns slowly, especially if there’s a possibility of black ice.

"In the winter I wear brighter colors and more reflective gear," says Sharon. "When it’s dark and rainy, you’re less visible, and people are just not paying as much attention." Add extra lights and reflectors to your bike.

Many cities offer bike-commuting classes that teach urban riding skills. Contact the League of American Bicyclists (www.bikeleague.org) to find courses near you. Ride as though you’re the smaller, more vulnerable vehicle (which you are). Never assume that a driver will give you the right of way. Try to make eye contact with drivers and people along the route.

Kristi Wood smiles and nods as she passes the homeless camps on her commute. "Potential predators do not prey on people who are clearly aware of their surroundings and have taken a good look at them," she says. Most importantly, if a situation doesn’t feel right, ride away. Finally, when you’re cruising down the road, enjoying the weather, passing gridlocked cars, and feeling strong and energized, remember: You have every right to feel good about yourself. After all, you’re doing something fun that feels good, a selfless self-indulgence.