5 Tips for Better, Safer Winter Cycling

The frigid temperatures don’t have to keep you off your bike this winter, but refusing to follow these tips might.

1. Don’t Just Dress Warm, Start Warm!

By now you probably know the value of keeping your head, hands, feet, and torso warm during a winter ride. However, too many cyclists overlook the importance of starting your ride while warm to help avoid injury and maximize your workout.

When temperatures drop, we tend to tense, shrug, and hunch up to protect ourselves from the cold; don’t put your body in this situation while exercising. Rather than constricting your posture and hoping to heat up on the road, we recommend starting with dynamic stretching followed by an aerobic workout before hitting the road. You could also benefit from a warm green tea with honey or other toasty drink.

2. Plan for the Wind.

Wind chill is one of the main causes of hypothermia and loss of motor function. For this reason, we recommend you start your ride into a headwind and return with the benefit of a tailwind. Following this rule in the winter will help to avoid an icy wind during the second half of your ride when you are sweaty and tired.

3. Be Visible.

Unlike busy summer days, drivers in many locations do not expect to see cyclists on the road during the cold winter months. Wear bright clothing, use headlights/flashers/signals, stay within your lane of travel, and follow all traffic laws to make yourself visible for others on the road.  

4. Adjust Your Braking Style.

Like driving, you don’t want to slam on your brakes at the last second while biking on slick/icy roads and trails. Instead, give yourself twice as much time and distance to come to a stop as you normally would and brake slowly to avoid spinouts.

5. Care for Your Bike.

Winter grime and ice can wreak havoc on a bicycle. Make sure to regularly clean the chain, gears, brakes, and wheel rims. We also recommend getting a tune-up at the beginning and end of the winter season to ensure your bike is in good, safe repair. Check out Keswick Cycle!

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See other Safety Tips HERE.

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