By preparing for the elements, cycling safely and defensively, and using the proper equipment, it is possible to ride your bicycle throughout most of the year. For some, riding in a light rain or on a brisk day can provide a refreshing and energizing workout. As with warm weather cycling, do not go without a helmet. If necessary, try wearing a thin cap under your helmet for warmth (adjust helmet straps to ensure a proper fit).

Please read all of this section and Safe Cycling ( link to above section) before you consider riding in wet and cold conditions.

Keeping Warm and Dry

• When cycling in cold weather, start slowly to let your muscles and joints warm up.
• Dress for longer ridesif feeling a little cool, your body will quickly warm up due to the physical activity.
• Wearing several thinner clothing layers, allows you to remove or add clothing as your body heats up or cools down. Try experimenting with clothing combinations to find out what is good for you. Generally speaking, a perspiration-whisking material is best against your skin, followed by wool or pile (as many layers as needed) and finally a wind-breaking, preferably breathable, jacket or top.
• Waterproof jackets and pants will make your ride in the rain manageable.
• Full fenders for your tires will keep you fairly dry in wet and snowy conditions and help protect your bike.
• To keep your body warm and dry, consider: shoe covers (booties), a skull cap for beneath your helmet and full finger cycling gloves.
• Don't forget to have water on hand. Remaining hydrated is important for keeping warm.

Wet Weather

Wet weather cycling requires special precautions:

• Braking can take up to six times longer when rims are wet. Squeeze your brakes in small, gentle spurts while you are riding (without coming to a stop) to keep your rims clean of water build up.
• Puddles can hide dangerous potholes and hazards, so avoid riding through them.
• Rainy weather can cause many surfaces to become extremely slippery, such as painted lines, metal bridges and railroad tracks. Take special care and dismount and cross when possible.
• Corners should be taken more slowly than in dry conditions.

Snowy Weather

Snowy weather is for skilled cyclists only. Even then, consider the conditions and your route very carefully before going out. Walk your bike when necessary.

Motorists cannot stop quickly. Stick to cleared areas or trails; stay far from moving vehicles and be prepared to maneuver your bike like you would when mountain biking.

Icy and greasy snow conditions are never recommended for cycling.

Leave yourself extra time to get to your destination and cycle more slowly. It is also a good idea to plan your way in advance and have alternative routes in mind.

Visibility

In cold and wet weather, visibility is often poor and requires extra precaution. Bright, well-lit streets are usually the best for cycling. As daylight hours decrease in the fall and winter months however, it is necessary to take extra care to ensure you are visible to motorists.

• Use a constant white light in front of your bike and a red light in the back (flashing red lights are more visible to motorists). Since you are using your lights everyday, use rechargeable batteries and carry an extra set with you. Reflectors, white in the front and red in the back of your bicycle are a good back-up.
• The Highway Traffic Act requires that you use reflective tape: white on the front forks and red on the back of your seat.
• Make sure you wear bright and reflective clothing! Consider adding reflective tape to your jacket, pant legs or arms. Cycling jackets often already have reflective material sewn on them.
• Remember to consider your own ability to see! Glasses with high contrast lenses increase night vision. Spraying your glasses with anti-fogging spray will stop them from fogging up. Prescription cycling glasses are also available.

Equipment and Maintenance

Melting ice and snow, and extra dirt and salt on the road means you and your bike will need a little extra care. Consider using an old or inexpensive bike for wet and winter weather riding.

Use these tips to keep your bike in tiptop condition:

• Clean and lubricate your chain, and oil the freewheel regularly.
• Put a small drop of oil at the end of each spoke to slow down corrosion.

Make sure the rims are clear of oil afterwards so that your brakes work properly!

• Wipe your bike down at the end of each day to remove the salt and reduce rust and corrosion.
• Keep your bicycle protected and covered from rain, snow and slush.
• Let your bike get cold outside before you ride, less snow will stick to it.

Here are other important tips to remember to ensure you are safe on the road in snowy conditions:

• Lessen the tire pressure to the low end of the recommended range to increase your traction on the road.
• Toe clips are not recommended for winter conditions - you may have to put your feet down in a hurry!
• There are many types of tires: each operating best under certain conditions. Know what your ties can handle! (For example: knobby mountain bike tires tend to collect light, fluffy snow in their large grooves.)