Battling the winter elements can be intimidating for a lot of cyclists. By following these few simple tips, you can go out and have just as much fun in the chilly weather as you would in the summer heat!

  1. Bundle up: You can always take gear off when I you get too hot, but it’s a lot harder to stay warm if you don’t have everything you need with you. Your extremities will get cold fast if you are not wearing adequate gear for the weather so be sure to have proper gloves and footwear to limit chilly hands and feet and to avoid frostbite in extreme conditions. Layering wind resistant and waterproof materials over warmer layers will help here. (Don’t forget to cover your ears and nose too, speaking from experience!).
  2. Know your limits: While riding in the winter can be just as much fun as the summer, it is important to know your limits. If the weather is particularly poor, or if it is actively snowing or raining, avoiding riding on the roads may be the best option if possible.  There is no medal for hurting yourself.  If you are unsure whether or not the conditions are conducive to riding, Olympian Haley Smith has devised a decision tree that will help you make the right call as to whether or not you should go out or stay in!
  3. Have a backup plan: Here in the Maritimes the weather can change on a dime. It never hurts to have a backup plan if you are heading out for a ride. This could be as simple as having someone on standby to pick you up if needed, or it could be a coffee shop on your route that you can duck into to warm up along the way.
  4. Beware of ice: Snow removal crews work incredibly hard to ensure that our roads are as clear as possible, however, you still need to be careful to avoid icy patches on the roads. They can blend into the pavement and be easy to miss. Reducing your speed slightly will give you more time to react to any hazards in the road that you may come across. Snow tires aren’t just for cars.  If you are committed to riding in the snow and ice, consider a set of studded tires.
  5. Clean your bike: Salt keep the roads clear of ice and is a critical part of safe riding in the winter. Unfortunately, salt is notoriously hard on your bike’s components as it can be incredibly corrosive. Staying on top of the maintenance and cleaning of your bike will limit the damage to your ride as much as possible.
  6. Fenders are your friend: If you like to ride with others, they will be eternally grateful if you attach a set of fenders to your bike. Not only will they keep you and everyone around you drier and cleaner, but they will also go a long way towards protecting your bike and its parts against the road salt and will limit the amount of cleanup you will need to do post-ride.
  7.  Lights, lights, lights: The sun can set incredibly fast in the winter, and with increased hazards on the road for both cyclists and drivers alike as well as reduced visibility in certain winter conditions, it is incredibly important to ensure that you stand out in traffic. A good set of lights goes a long way to ensure that you stand out and are seen by everyone around you day or night.
  8. Bright colors: Alongside a good set of lights, bright colored clothing will be your friend when riding in the winter (or at any time for that matter). Hi-Viz and reflective gear are readily available and will make you infinitely more visible on the road.
  9. Follow the rules of the road: Predictability is more important than ever when riding in the winter. Following the rules of the road will make it much easier for everyone around you to anticipate what your next move will be, making the road much safer for everyone. There are resources available on the Cycling Nova Scotia website: https://cyclingns.ca/safety/
  10. Have fun: Riding in the winter can be incredibly fun and rewarding when practiced safely. In addition to all the joys of normal cycling, you will also gain a ton of bragging rights over your friends who choose to tuck their bikes away for the winter or hide away from the elements on their trainers till the weather is above freezing in the spring.

Be sure to ride safe, bundle up, and we look forward to seeing you on the road this winter!

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