The Curiosity Desk asked winter cyclists to send in their tips for making it through the winter. Do you have a winter biking tip? Leave it in the comments section below.
Rob Donnelly from Cambridge, MA:
“When it’s snowy I sometimes where my ski goggles to keep the snow out of my eyes.”
Brett Montgomery, Lowell, MA:
“Many cyclists (myself included) have a 'winter beater’ bike that they ride in the winter. These bikes are typically older ones and/or low end/inexpensive models…these bikes are about traction, control, and stability rather than speed.”
Phil Lindsay, Dorchester, MA
“The light, or lack of, is a seasonal challenge, although I like it dark going home through Franklin Park as that eliminates most of the walkers and joggers and makes it a solitary pursuit.”
“Winter is all about layers. On cold cold days, it’s a layer of long underwear top & bottom, wool pants, heavy shirt, sweater, wool socks, heavy shoes, vest, wool scarf, wool hat, gloves (varying to as stout as sheep skin mittens), sun glasses (but clear ones at night) and my usual Harris Tweed Jacket that serves as my ultimate outer layer.”
Matthew Whatley, Arlington, VA
“Winter cycling requires being smart about wearing the right gear, following the weather and staying visible to cars! With less daylight a good bike commuter will light up like a Christmas tree.“
William Bowry, Boston, MA
“You have just have to take a lot more care, particularly on the bike paths, which are not always salted with the same speed as the roads.”
“The other big difference, is the amount of care you need to give your bike; the combination of wet weather and the salt/grit on the road is lethal for cogs and bike chains.”
Bekka Wright, Somerville, MA:
“It’s easier than walking, roads are plowed/salted better than sidewalks since many landlords do shoddy shoveling jobs…Roads are narrower [though] and drivers tend to go slower.“
Marko Madjaric, Cambridge, MA
On cold days the first 45 seconds might be chilly, but your body quickly warms up. Rain is the least pleasant, but there’s plenty you can do to avoid getting soaked. Snow requires caution but is also quite fun to bike in.
Randy James, Maynard, MA
“Essentials for biking in winter: Boots, Balaclava, Goggles, Studded tires”
“Snowy roads are narrower and very unsafe. I stick to pathways and sidewalks where I can to avoid the cars.”
Watch a time-lapse video of Bekka Wright’s commute from Somerville to Longwood:
