Tips for Winter Cycling

Poor street conditions and visibility can make winter riding seem a dangerous ordeal. But the skills that get you through the winter will only make you a better rider all the time.

View Longmont’s Bicycle Snow Routes

Be seen! Use front white and rear red lights and reflective tape and light-colored clothing to make sure you can be seen from the front, side and rear. A disproportionate number of bicycle/car crashes happen in the dark!! Just because you can see motorists, doesn’t mean they see you.

Know the Hazards: The streets are slickest when it first begins to rain or snow.  Manhole covers, leaves and metal bridges are particularly slippery when wet. All ice can be upending. Beware of everyday hazards like potholes, cracks and railroad crossings. Your awareness of these hazards will help you anticipate and navigate them safely.

Know the Tricks: When it is wet or icy, ride more slowly, pump the brakes, keep your weight on the back wheel (helps with stability), and don’t lean into turns as much. When it snows, follow the ruts created by cars and avoid the ridges which can deflect the front wheel and cause a spill. If you do start to fall, try to lean away from traffic and resist putting out your hand to brake the fall; it’s often better to take the impact flat along your forearms. There’s no shame in walking your bike through rough patches.

Know your Options: Many of us are creatures of habit, taking the same route to a given destination. During snowy weather, consider alternates. An un-ploughed side street where cars are poking along at 15 mph is safter than an icy and busy street where cars are sliding across the road at 40 mph or more and the bike lane is buried under plowed snow. Know your options and be flexible. View Longmont’s Snow Routes and Priority Bicycle Snow Routes.

Be predictable and anticipate what other road users (including pedestrians and other cyclists) are going to do, and help them anticipate your movements. Signal when you are going to change positions or turn. Learn to look behind you without veering off course. Signal before stopping and try to not stop abruptly; there might be a cyclist right behind you.

Be assertive: Don’t hesitate to take a lane when necessary. It’s your legal right. If someone is honking at you, that’s a good sign. At least they see you. Also, stay to the left of right turning traffic lane at intersections. You’ll be more visible to oncoming traffic and right turning traffic won’t turn into you or cross your path.