How To Ride Safely In Cold Weather

Much of the northern Hemisphere has already seen the temperatures drop, the leaves fall, and cyclists dig deep in their closets for warm clothes. There’s more to riding safely in winter than just bundling up. Here’s how to keep riding deep into the season. 

While many of us might think that the hardest thing about riding outdoors into November, December, and beyond is staying warm, it’s often more a question of staying safe. Today’s modern cycling gear is actually quite amazing, and with more companies offering condition-specific gear for cold, wet, and even dark days, committed riders can often beat the chill by investing in their options. 

Dressing smart is one critical aspect of having a safe ride, there are other things you can do to reduce your risk and increase the fun factor a bit, too. 

Be Seen. Lights are an absolute must this time of year, even if you start and end your ride during daylight hours. Daytime in fall and winter is often grey and hazy, limiting visibility and reducing the contrasting colors between even the loudest cycling kit and the background. Using a front white light and a blinking rear light greatly improve your visibility to drivers and all road users. Plan on charging your lights before every ride, and don’t forget that cold weather can greatly reduce the run time of most lights. 

Even when riding in the woods, at least packing a light is a good idea for anyone riding before dusk. In the event of a crash, medical emergency, or mechanical issue, that light can help you see what your problem is, or even help to alert other trail users to your location. 

In addition to lights, wearing bright clothing can also help make you easier to spot for motorists. White, orange, hi-vis yellow, and pink tend to be the best options but avoid black, grey, and any dull green. It’s also a good idea to look for clothing that may have reflective piping or details that further reflect any available light, especially light from car headlights. You can also add reflective tape to your bike or helmet for a bit more flash. 

Bring It All. Cold weather is no time to skimp on spares of any kind. In addition to your normal flat kit and tools, bring an additional CO2 or pump, an extra tube, and an extra layer. While you may not need that extra rain shell initially, it’ll help to have another layer while you make roadside repairs or wait for a ride. If you’re going for more than a couple of hours, consider bringing a small external battery pack to recharge your phone in case it dies. Again, cold air can really take a toll on battery life, and while it may be warm in your pocket, it won’t be the second you start using it to make calls or consult your route. 

Plan Ahead. You can do a lot to stay safe, and comfortable, by really thinking ahead. When possible, ride into a headwind first. This helps you tackle the additional resistance while you’re still fresh and build up some body heat while avoiding having to end your ride by pedaling into a frigid breeze. It’s also a good idea to keep your ride flat for a similar reason. While riding uphill may cause you to warm up, the high speeds of the descent cause a wicked wind chill, plus you won’t be able to generate much heat without being able to pedal very hard. 

It’s even more important to choose a route that has wide shoulders, high visibility, and relatively low traffic during the fall and winter months. Grey skies, bad weather, and short days make visibility worse, and there’s also the reality that drivers simply aren’t expecting cyclists on the roads on cold days. If you need to change your normal loop to account for hills or cars, do so. 

Dress For Success. Of course, you can do a lot to reduce the risk of hypothermia by dressing the right way for winter riding. It’s not just about safety; getting your clothing right can also make the difference between an enjoyable, worthwhile ride or a day in the saddle you’d rather forget. Always start with a warm base layer that wicks sweat and gets moisture away from your skin. Having two, three, or even four layers give you the option to unzip, take off, or put back on clothing as needed. If you’re riding on the road, look for a windproof material to keep that cold air off your clothing and skin, especially as your sweat begins to saturate each layer. 

Always keep your hands and feet well covered with thick socks and gloves. Finding a hat or liner that fits comfortably under your helmet without affecting fit can also help retain body heat. 

A last little tip concerns your shades. Even if it’s not sunny, don’t forget your sunglasses. Using clear lenses is a great way to keep more cold off the bare skin of your face, plus helps to protect your eyes from road debris, mud, and grit. 

Winter riding may not always go as planned, but it’s still a great way to beat cabin fever. Many cyclists really enjoy the added sense of adventure winter riding can offer. If you’ve got any cold weather tips, let us know in the comments!