Cycling is a great way to stay in shape, but if you’re doing it with snow and ice on the ground, you risk falling and getting an injury that would most definitely sideline your fitness routine. So, if you want to enjoy cycling all year long, follow these 10 guidelines when the temperatures start to fall:
Tip #1: Put a light on your cycle as the days are shorter (meaning less daytime rides) and grey skies have a way of helping you blend into the landscape, making you harder to see.
Tip #2: Get studded tires for winter months so that you have greater traction on snowy and icy roads.
Tip #3: Wear a helmet so that if you do fall, your head is protected from the ground.
Tip #4: Always carry a cell phone on you just in case you have an accident and need someone to pick you up versus trying to walk home injured, with your cycle in tow.
Tip #5: Wear reflective layers, again, making yourself more visible to passing motorists when riding on the roadway.
Tip #6: Try to stick to paths or routes that are straight. The more curves you have to take, the greater the likelihood that you will fall while trying to navigate them.
Tip #7: Be extra cautious of potholes and bumps as they’re going to be harder to see if they are covered with fresh snow.
Tip #8: Dress in layers so that you can keep yourself from overheating. Choose a base layer that wicks away moisture, an in-between layer that is warm, and an outer layer that will protect you from wind and wet snow.
Tip #9: Keep your hands, feet and ears covered at all times as this is where frostbite will first set in if you don’t.
Tip #10: Know when to stay home. If the weather is just too treacherous, save your cycling for another day.
Follow these ten tips and you can cycle safely January through December!