November biking

Credit: J.C.

Don’t be a fair-weather cyclist!

By Kathryn Sutton

You’re not alone if the recent spate of cold mornings, with their wind and torrential rain, is un-sticking the “One Less Car” sticker from your bicycle (and the slogan from your heart). Winter is the season that separates fair-weather cyclists from die-hard, year-round riders, but with the right equipment and know-how, making the leap from the former category to the latter isn’t as daunting as it may seem.

Keeping dry is one of the biggest challenges faced by Vancouver cyclists. Your first line of defense against the rain is appropriate gear, says Lars Eberle, manager of Reckless Bike Stores’ Fir Street location and an all-season cyclist. Eberle points out that Vancouverites tend to ride in more of a “race style,” rather than the “pleasure style” of Europe or Asia, where it’s not unusual to see people riding bikes while holding umbrellas. Therefore, we need to dress accordingly.

“Our [cycling] style is hard and fast, so you want to wear lightweight, breathable layers that will keep you dry while preventing you from getting too sweaty,” Eberle says. “For that type of riding, you’ll definitely want to pack separate clothes if you’re heading to work. A good riding outfit for the rain would be made up of cycle shorts; light, breathable pants; and a light shell jacket. Don’t overdress.”

Rain often gets into overlooked openings, like helmet vents and through shoe strings, so Eberle recommends getting a waterproof beanie to go over or under your helmet, as well as shoe covers, which run about $35-$50. “It’s also worth considering glove shells, which can go over non-waterproof gloves or can be worn alone if you get too hot,” he says.

Next up, you’ve got to prepare your bike. Fenders and mudguards are inexpensive, and protect you from being splashed by the water that gets kicked up by your tires. (Eberle recommends taking your bike to the shop when buying them because a good fit is essential.) Tires should also be kept well inflated, which will give them more traction on slippery surfaces. Studded snow tires are available if you’re determined to ride 365 days a year, but they usually aren’t necessary for more than a few days a year in Vancouver.

The biggest safety concern for cyclists during the fall and winter is visibility, Eberle says, so lights — and lots of them — are a must for a safe winter. Lights that may be adequate in the spring and summer could leave riders at risk in winter months. “I see people riding with dim lights all the time,” he says. “It’s really dangerous. Batteries should always be checked, and you should keep a back-up light with you in case a light burns out. More lights are always better. Put an extra one on your helmet, on your backpack — wherever.”

But a cyclist’s very best defense against winter conditions is good technique and a little common sense. “There are a lot of hazards this time of year, and none of them should be taken on at speed,” Eberle says. “Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going, and just slow down. You need time to take in the road conditions and react to them.”

Wet leaves are one of the biggest hazards for cyclists on Vancouver roads. Eberle recommends avoiding them whenever possible, or riding slowly through them when it’s not. Icy and snowy conditions, which are less common, are often best avoided, he says. “In Vancouver, the roads will usually be clear within a day or two after it snows. It’s usually best to just take the bus and wait it out. It’s important to know your riding ability and not take unnecessary risks when the weather is particularly bad. Be safe, and don’t overestimate what you can do.”

Other resources: Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC.bc.ca, 604-878-8222); Vancouver Bicycle Club (VBC.bc.ca, 604-733-3964); the City of Vancouver’s Cycling in Vancouver webpages (Vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling); and the Vancouver-based Momentum magazine (MomentumPlanet.com).