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Tips for winter biking

A man and woman stand outside in the snow with their bicycles.

Riders

  • Be alert and prepare for your ride.
  • Wear a helmet and bright, reflective clothing to increase visibility and safety.
  • Bring layers and waterproof, breathable clothing for unpredictable weather and road conditions.
  • Pack an extra pair of socks and shoes; start out cool because your body will warm up as you ride.
  • Plan your route ahead of time. Long commute? Bring your bike on the bus or light rail.
  • See and be seen. Have both a front light and a back light of at least 500 lumens for the front light and 100 lumens for the rear light.
  • Check your bike regularly to ensure chains, tires, brakes and lights are in working order.
  • Run tires at lower pressure for better traction on icy or snow covered trails; consider switching to tires with better grip.
  • Carry a basic bicycle repair kit and learn about bike tuning.
  • Signal audibly when passing pedestrians and be considerate of others on roads, paths and trails.
  • Fill a water bottle with warm water or have an insulated water bottle to prevent water from freezing during the ride.
  • Make eye contact with drivers when crossing intersections and use hand signals when turning.
  • Register your bike and learn local biking ordinances.
  • Lock your bike securely and learn proper locking techniques.
  • Keep electric bike batteries warm by parking your bike indoors or removing the battery and bringing it with you. Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly.
  • Check with building codes for guidance on where to store bikes with lithium-ion batteries.

Drivers

  • Be alert and considerate when sharing the road. Respect bicyclists' rights and responsibilities on roads.
  • Watch for reflectors and lights on sidewalks, especially after sunset when bicyclists are harder to see.
  • Be aware at intersections for bicyclists who might be crossing.
  • Know your weight advantage. A car can weigh two tons or more, while the average bike, with rider, is about 180 pounds.
  • Obey speed limits and all road rules.
  • Slow down on snowy days and share the road with bicyclists when sidewalks are covered with snow or ice.
  • Signal your turns and watch for hand signals from cyclists.
  • Check before exiting your vehicle to avoid hitting a cyclist with your door.