Nadya Peek / CC
The past week has seen some sporadic weather conditions, from flurries and snow squalls on Sunday to sunny skies and warmer temperatures on Tuesday. But sooner or later, winter weather will be setting in, bringing snow and ice along with it. London’s Bicycle Mayor, Shelley Carr, wants cyclists to know that winter doesn’t mean you have to give up riding your bike.
Projected winter weather
The Canadian Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a snowier-than-normal winter in Ont. They’re projecting heavy snowfall in the second week of Jan., along with some fluctuating temperatures through Dec. According to Carr, fluffy white snow actually makes for the safest bike riding conditions.
“You would think that that would be the last thing you’d want to do but, you’re not going to get dirty, you’re not going to be covered in salt and sleet and sand,” she said.
With the Farmer’s Almanac also predicting some milder temperatures through the first few months of winter, it’s important to keep in mind that wet, slushy days are usually the least favourable for bike riding.
“There’s tons of salt on the road, and you’re on your way home from school, and you’re going to get wet,” said Carr. In this case, Carr recommended wearing waterproof gear like a jacket or snow pants.
Tips for prepping your bike
Carr made several suggestions for preparing your bike for winter, including:
- Studded tires for grip
- Lighter oil for chains
- Gloves to keep your hands warm
- Boots that keep out wetness and snow
She said that studded tires are most effective in stopping nasty falls.
“Studded tires will give you a grip that you don’t have even if you have a mountain bike or a fat bike,” she said. “You’ll still find that you have pretty good grip, and you’ll get a good couple of seasons out of a pair of studded tires.”
You’ll need to change your studded tires from season to season, but Carr said it’s worth it.
Likewise, changing the grade of oil on your tires to a lighter one, she said, will help combat colder temperatures and winter debris.
“You don’t want your chain to get gummed up,” she said. “You’re going to be dealing with sometimes sand, sometimes salt, sometimes snow, but you want that chain to run smoothly.”
Riding safely in winter
City of London’s suggested bicycle map.
Carr said she’s been riding her bike for years in the winter, and added that there are choices you can make as a rider to ensure winter safety.
“Find out where it’s a quieter street, so that there aren’t cars sliding around or five lanes of traffic,” she said. “And you can’t really ride on the sidewalk either, because we all know that the sidewalk is worse than the road. I would find quiet routes.”
Bike lanes will also be clear in winter, making them safe and preferable for riders.
Carr said riding your bike in winter can be a very calming and relaxing experience, if you’re prepared.
“There’s nothing like being on a street and it’s 7 o’ clock at night, and everyone’s at home watching Netflix and you’re out in this big fluffy cloud of snow,” she said. “The street lights glow, it’s just magical.”
Comments