Bicycle Commuting Guide
Riding in Rain and Snow
Riding in Rain and Snow
Wet Streets: Wet streets can be hazardous. Watch out for: Railroad tracks, sewer and manhole covers, painted pavement, and leaves get slippery when wet. Don't brake or turn suddenly on them.
Puddles. Don't ride through a puddle if you can't see the bottom. It could be a deep pothole that could make you crash or dent your wheel.
Start of rain. Don't race to beat the rain when it starts. That's when streets are slickest, because oil or anti-freeze on the road spreads before it washes away. Turn slower and with less lean.
Slow Down: Remember that motorists and cyclists can't see as well in rain or snow. And it takes longer to stop, so to be safe, go slower than normal.
Braking: When brake pads are wet they take up to ten times longer to work. Dry them by applying your brakes far ahead of where you want to slow down, causing your pads to wipe the rims. To dry them faster, pump the brakes by applying them, then letting go, over and over.
Snow. Snow crews usually clear major streets within a day of a major snowfall. Walk your bike to one and get going.
Ice. Snow hides ice on the pavement, so be cautious when riding on snow.
Snow Build-up. With piles of snow on the right, ride in the middle of the right lane. Let cars pass in heavy traffic. But remember, you are required by law to ride only as far to the right as is practicable, and riding through deep slush piles is not practicable!
On to: Dressing for Wet and Cold…
Back to: Weather
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