WINNIPEG
November, 2011
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Winter Cycling? It’s no problem. M
any people convert their how to ride in the city we tell commute to cycling every them ‘Drive like a car and if you summer but come winter, they need to stay safe, take the lane.” park their bike until the next Unless you are comfortable in turn of season. Winter riding the higher traffic areas, stick to is just too dangerous, not to a bike or multi-use path. More mention cold, right? Absolutely of them are being cleared each not! Or so say a growing number year. The issue is not the cyclist of winter cyclists. Significant losing control or sliding under snowfalls may not arrive until a vehicle – extremely unlikely well into December or longer, – but motorists not as used to and with the exception of a seeing cyclists on the road as few days here and there, you they are in summer. Visibility may find your ride not much is key so fluorescent vests different than in the summer. and lights become even more Currie Gillespie, an active important. Just as you wouldn’t member of just about every want to blend into the dark, cycling related association make sure you wear colours that in Winnipeg including the also stand out in bright daylight. Manitoba Cycling Association The second but no less has a few suggestions on how to important factor is staying warm. weather winter cycling. As any winter rider will tell you, dress right and you’ll arrive at Stay visible and warm your destination sweating even “The Highway Traffic Act in a moderate wind-chill! That stipulates that cyclists not swing moisture is what you want to in and out between parked cars. avoid at all costs though. Find a line to follow and stick invest in a skin-tight base layer to it. The act also says that you made of nylon or lycra that must ride as far to the right as wicks sweat away from your practicable,” says Gillespie. body, then layer with fleece “This is a grey area term leaving or wool and a wind and water lots of room to argue safety. resistant outer shell. When we try to teach someone
wear a hat under your helmet gloves must be wind-resistant with another fleece or wool layer for warmth, same as clothing. Most bike shops carry a variety of the better gloves and claw-style mittens called lobsters that allow better grip and responsiveness to breaks and gears. bulky boots are OK provided pedals are larger and provide for good grip. Many winter riders will change their pedal for the season. goggles are good to have for added protection but as anyone who wears glasses will tell you, fogging can be a problem. “I love my goggles because they have a tiny battery-powered fan that last forever,” says Gillespie.
Thick nubby tires He declined making recommendations of one type of bike over another, but suggests cyclists new to the winter ride go with thick, nubby tires. The studs definitely have to go on the front because that’s where you’ll need the control, plus the front brake is what gives you 70% of your stopping power.
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As for bike maintenance, Gillespie says “a brilliant bike mechanic told me that once your bike is cold, keep it that way. Don’t ride it then take it into a nice warm garage where snow and ice will melt, giving moisture giving a chance for rust to attack the chain or other steel parts like the rear hub.” ■
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PHOTO: GREEN ACTION CENTRE WINNIPEG