Safe Riding in Winter Weather
Cycling all through the winter will get you around town quickly and reliably, just as it does in warmer weather, but to do it safely you need to approach it as you would any outdoor activity and know before you go.
You can find many excellent sources for winter riding advice, like this blog from Anchorage, Alaska, but we think the best knowledge is local knowledge. We live in New England where conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly, so here’s some advice from experienced Medford cyclists to keep you safe when riding our roads:
In the dark
It is often dark during peak communting times this time of year, so think about how others on the road see you. Drivers have less visibility when ice and condensation on their windshields obscures their view of the road, and pedestrians may not spot you right away. Make it easy for them to see you by wearing reflective clothing, being predictable in your movements and using high-powered LED lights. A bright front light will also help you spot any hazards ahead of you.
Black ice warning
This is one of the most dangerous winter hazards--for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. It often appears in late fall and early spring when melting snow or overnight dew forms a thin layer of ice on the road. It can occur quickly and is easily mistaken for a harmless patch of wet asphalt, so look out for it when the temperature has been fluctuating around the freezing mark.
Here are some tips to avoid it:
Don’t get eaten by potholes
They seem to appear overnight in late winter. They are not only dangerous to ride into, but collect water which can form black ice when it gets splashed onto the road surface. Avoid them by keeping an eye on the road ahead of you during the day, and use a high lumen LED front light when riding at night.
Sneckdowns, friends or foes?
Derived from snow + neckdown, these are the tracks made by vehicles driving through newly fallen snow. They are generally your friend as they will tell you what part of the road is being used for travel, and the action of many passing tires can create a clear path for cyclists. You will need to feel confident in exercising your right to “take the lane” when riding in them.
Be careful of frozen sneckdowns. Like gremlins, they are soft and cute at first, but can turn evil once they freeze. If you hit an edge they can knock you off your bike, or even be sharp enough to slice open a tire.
Protect your hands and feet
Metal handlebars and pedals will conduct heat away from your hands and feet, and pressure can reduce your circulation. Once you are riding you may not have many opportunities to warm your cold extremities. Fortunately there are lots of styles of wind resistant gloves, mittens and foot coverings available. Many are not specific to cycling, so look around to see what other riders are wearing and be prepared to sacrifice some style for functionality.
And your eyes as well
Road salt, sand and loose gravel is not only a skidding hazard, it often become airborne and can get in your eyes. Keep it out with goggles or other protective eyewear, but be sure to select a style that will not conduct heat away from your face in extreme cold.
Have a backup plan
Be smart, not heroic. One thing that makes Medford a great place to live is that we have transportation options. Pick the one that makes the most sense for the conditions of the day. If it is really bad out, consider whether you absolutely have to go out at all.
Have fun
Heightened awareness of your surroundings not only makes riding safer, but you are also likely to see things others miss. Be on the lookout for wild animals in the Middlesex Fells, bald eagles on the Mystic Lakes or if you are really lucky, the first buds of spring.
Got your own tips?
Share your experiences or knowledge of specific things other riders should watch out for on the medfordbikes Facebook page.
You can find many excellent sources for winter riding advice, like this blog from Anchorage, Alaska, but we think the best knowledge is local knowledge. We live in New England where conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly, so here’s some advice from experienced Medford cyclists to keep you safe when riding our roads:
In the dark
It is often dark during peak communting times this time of year, so think about how others on the road see you. Drivers have less visibility when ice and condensation on their windshields obscures their view of the road, and pedestrians may not spot you right away. Make it easy for them to see you by wearing reflective clothing, being predictable in your movements and using high-powered LED lights. A bright front light will also help you spot any hazards ahead of you.
Black ice warning
This is one of the most dangerous winter hazards--for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. It often appears in late fall and early spring when melting snow or overnight dew forms a thin layer of ice on the road. It can occur quickly and is easily mistaken for a harmless patch of wet asphalt, so look out for it when the temperature has been fluctuating around the freezing mark.
Here are some tips to avoid it:
- If your local newscast is warning drivers about black ice, that means cyclists need to be extra alert.
- Bridges freeze before roads, so be cautious when crossing over the Mystic River.
- On a warm day piles of old snow will melt and the water can freeze when it flows over shaded areas. Be cautious when riding through highway underpasses like the ones running under Rt.16 and I-93, in parking garages, and other places that have not been warmed by the sun.
- Ride well-travelled routes and look ahead of you for clues like cars skidding or pedestrians slipping.
Don’t get eaten by potholes
They seem to appear overnight in late winter. They are not only dangerous to ride into, but collect water which can form black ice when it gets splashed onto the road surface. Avoid them by keeping an eye on the road ahead of you during the day, and use a high lumen LED front light when riding at night.
Sneckdowns, friends or foes?
Derived from snow + neckdown, these are the tracks made by vehicles driving through newly fallen snow. They are generally your friend as they will tell you what part of the road is being used for travel, and the action of many passing tires can create a clear path for cyclists. You will need to feel confident in exercising your right to “take the lane” when riding in them.
Be careful of frozen sneckdowns. Like gremlins, they are soft and cute at first, but can turn evil once they freeze. If you hit an edge they can knock you off your bike, or even be sharp enough to slice open a tire.
Protect your hands and feet
Metal handlebars and pedals will conduct heat away from your hands and feet, and pressure can reduce your circulation. Once you are riding you may not have many opportunities to warm your cold extremities. Fortunately there are lots of styles of wind resistant gloves, mittens and foot coverings available. Many are not specific to cycling, so look around to see what other riders are wearing and be prepared to sacrifice some style for functionality.
And your eyes as well
Road salt, sand and loose gravel is not only a skidding hazard, it often become airborne and can get in your eyes. Keep it out with goggles or other protective eyewear, but be sure to select a style that will not conduct heat away from your face in extreme cold.
Have a backup plan
Be smart, not heroic. One thing that makes Medford a great place to live is that we have transportation options. Pick the one that makes the most sense for the conditions of the day. If it is really bad out, consider whether you absolutely have to go out at all.
Have fun
Heightened awareness of your surroundings not only makes riding safer, but you are also likely to see things others miss. Be on the lookout for wild animals in the Middlesex Fells, bald eagles on the Mystic Lakes or if you are really lucky, the first buds of spring.
Got your own tips?
Share your experiences or knowledge of specific things other riders should watch out for on the medfordbikes Facebook page.
