Every February 14 is set aside for people in love. This year, it’s also set aside for those who love riding their bikes.
Celebrated annually on the second Friday in February, this year International Winter Bike to Work Day falls on Valentine’s Day, a fitting coincidence for those who simply love the benefits they get from riding to work: getting the day off to a great start, exercising on the way to work, saving money, protecting the environment and more.
Of course, a lot of folks assume bike commuting is only a warm-weather option. But Indy’s trails and roadways welcome bike commuters in all kinds of weather, making it clear that, with the right gear, clothing, preparation and mindset, you can capture the benefits of pedaling to work all year.
Interested in extending your bike-to-work season? Below are CIRTA’s top tips for winter bike commuting:
Find the right tires (and avoid the spray)
If roads are slick or snow covered, you’ll want to avoid riding on skinny, high-pressure, smooth road tires. Instead, swap out for wider, lower-pressure tires with deeper tread. Fortunately, with increased interest in gravel cycling, you’ll find a lot of options that will increase your traction without necessarily requiring a totally different bike. Some hard-core riders even opt for studded tires. One note of caution: Those grippier tires can throw up a lot of muck and spray. Consider buying a set of fenders or at least clip-on mudguards, to shield your bike (and you!) from grime and moisture.
Make sure drivers can see you
You might be riding in the dark or gloom during the winter months, so make yourself as visible as possible. Buy lights for the front and back of your bike and always remember to wear bright, reflective gear.
Layer up
If you want to stay warm but avoid sweatiness on your bike commute, master the art of layering! With layers, you can adjust your clothing throughout your ride based on your body temperature. Just make sure your “top layer” is waterproof so you can fend off snow and rain. High-quality gloves, boots and a face/neck cover can be especially helpful.
Don’t forget to clean
Snow, water, salt and mud can wreak havoc on your bike, so clean gunk away when you’re done riding (even if you‘re spraying off the chain and gears with water from your water bottle, it’ll help), and deep clean your bike at least once every few weeks. Also, be sure to use “wet” lubricant (specially designed for wet/dirty climates) during these messy months.
Keep it slow and smooth
Just like cars, bikes can slip and slide on the ice, especially when riders make sudden or jerky moves. Go slow and steady to prevent injuries and/or damage to your bike. It’s better to spend 5 more minutes on your commute than visit the emergency room.
