Winter Bicycling - No Problem

Bicycling in the winter can be somewhat problematic for some. This is the time of year when you wake up, check the weather, and grab your car keys on your way out the door, not even giving your poor bicycle a second glance. Many of us will simply say, "it's too cold!" Full disclosure here… I live in an area that doesn't snow but it does get relatively cold.  Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to stay warm on your bike even in the winter time. The good thing is that as you ride your bike, your core temperature goes up. This means you burn a lot of extra calories staying warm. So as long as you have a nice warm riding jacket, you really only have four areas of your body to focus on keeping warm: face, hands, feet, and legs.

Other people might say safety is their main concern. Winter riding does have safety concerns; the biggest of those concerns is being seen. As it gets darker earlier, and most of us are getting out of work when it is dark out, it is important to make sure that cars and other traffic can see you when you're on your bicycle. Remember, we are INVISIBLE to drivers. To my fellow riders I say, "you can never be too visible." And you are generally not anywhere near visible enough. So here is my advice:

- Wear light and bright colors
- Wear reflective bits on your shoes
- Wear reflective ankle bands that have a large surface of reflective material
- Wear reflective strips on your wind jacket, rain jacket
- Wear a Sam Browne belt and have it over your jacket. Randonneurs (Ultra long endurance bicycle riders) will swear by these belts.
- Wear a reflective triangle in addition to the Sam Browne belt on your back.
- Wear reflective bits stuck to your helmet on the Back, Sides, and Front.
- A head light and a back-up headlight.
- A tail light and a back-up tail light.

So there you go, no more excuses! Stay warm and be safe out there…. have a great winter!


Copenhagen January Cycling from Copenhagenize on Vimeo.