Winter Riding Tips

Winters in #LdnOnt are always unpredictable. Thankfully, biking in the winter is one of the most reliable outdoor activities you can do to get some fresh air and stay active. Check the weather, get inspired, and join the #FrostBike community by riding this winter.

START SIMPLE

Give winter biking a try for short trips when the weather is milder and the roads are clear. Build from there, trying longer trips or riding when there’s snow on the road.

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER

You don’t need special gear, but you do need to wear extra layers. Pay special attention to your extremities: wear warm gloves/ mitts, boots, toques/ hats, and a scarf or mask. For the rest of your body, dress for 5 minutes into your ride, since you heat up once you’re riding. Choosing a light jacket with layers underneath can be a great solution for this. Long underwear underneath regular pants or rain pants over top can also give you extra warmth without overheating. More details in our Dressing for the Weather webcast!

PREPARE YOUR BIKE

Some bikes are certainly better suited to winter cycling, but you can make do with whatever bike you have. Before you ride, test your brakes since snow and ice can cause them to stop working.

• Tires - Lower tire pressure or wider, knobby tires can improve traction; studded tires provide grip on ice.

• Fenders - Similar to rainy days, full fenders can keep you and your bike clean and dry!

• Lights - It’s darker in the winter months, so make sure your bike has a good set of lights

• Maintenance - Winter can be hard on bikes, especially because of the road salt. Wipe your bike down regularly and use a wet lube on your chain.
  

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

It’s helpful to plan a few different routes to where you’re going so you can adapt depending on conditions. Sometimes the quiet streets are plowed and other times they’re impassable. Similarly, the condition of the path system can vary tremendously depending on where you are - although the City does plow it after 8 cm has fallen.

HAVE A BACKUP PLAN

Sometimes the conditions can change dramatically between when you get somewhere and when you leave. You can always get off your bike and walk, but there are a few other good options to consider:

• Hop on the bus - All London Transit buses have a bike rack on the front. Get a Smart Card or bring along a bus ticket.

• Phone a friend or co-worker - It’s good to know friends who can help.

Fore more tips, ask your local bike shop, contact us, or join the London Ontario Frostbike group on Facebook; the #FrostBike community is eager to assist you.

it could be easier!

Clearing the bike lanes, side streets or multi-use paths is not a question of technology or ingenuity. It is all about priorities and cost. Currently, the city follows the provincial minimum maintenance requirements to plow or salt/sand bike facilities:

• on-road bike lanes will be cleared between 8 and 24 hours after a 5-8cm snowfall, depending on how busy the road is

• cycle tracks like Dundas & Colborne within 24 hours after a snowfall

• Thames Valley Parkway will be plowed if 8cm of snow falls

Noticed a location that hasn’t been plowed appropriately? Report an unplowed sidewalk or unplowed road

If we want to make it easier to walk or bike in the winter, we need to increase how often we plow the sidewalks and bike lanes. Send your councillor a short email to let them know that you support investing more in winter maintenance for sidewalks and bike lanes!