The getDowntown Program provides sustainable commuting programs and services for downtown Ann Arbor workers and their employers.  As the cold weather approaches, we thought we’d share what we’ve learned about walking and biking to work in Ann Arbor in winter.

Basic Gear for Winter Bike Commuting

• Windproof gear: Keeps you a lot warmer than just fleece
• Waterproof boots/shoes
• Hat, scarf, gloves/mittens
• Balaclava (scarf and hat all in one!)
• Lights for bike commuting
• Bus fare for bus in case the weather is just too nasty/you get tired
• Change of clothes for work if you think you’ll get sweaty
• Layers!!!
• Warm socks (Smart Wool, regular wool, etc)
• Fenders for your wheels. Prevent the stripe!

Nice to Have but Not Essential

• Beater Bike for winter commuting so your nice bike doesn’t get dirty/salty.
• Fixed Gear Bike for winter commuting.
• Chain guard.
• Tires with spikes in them.

Basic Hints and Tips for Winter Bike Commuting

• Give yourself more time. When it gets really cold/snowy, it can slow you down.
• Don’t be afraid to get further out onto the street. If the sides of the street are filled with snow, get further out into the lane. This may seem scary, but it is better than wiping out in a snowdrift. Choose routes with lower traffic, or routes with slower speeds.
• About an inch of snow is ok. If it’s only going to snow an inch, you should be able to bike just fine. After that, you might want to be careful.
• Beware of a wet bike and a cold garage. If your bike gets wet and then freezes, you might have some issues with the chain (i.e. it could stick) so either wipe off your wet bike before you store it, or put it someplace warm.
• Snow is a go but ice isn’t nice. Of all conditions, icy ones are actually the worst. When you encounter ice, keep yourself as straight as possible, don’t weave at all. As long as the patch isn’t too long and you aren’t going too fast, you should be ok.
• Stay straight as you can. On both ice and snow, try not to weave much. This is a similar tip that you have when driving in the snow. Sudden turns in wintry conditions can cause you trouble.
• Your feet and hands get cold first. Make sure to get a good pair of windproof gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm and some nice insulated boots for your feet.
• Hats and scarves are also great. I find that my chin gets cold as does my head, so a nice fleece scarf and hat with ear flaps does the trick. And I got both items from Value World.
• Windproof gear rocks. For an outer layer, focus on something windproof. This will help protect you from cold gusts of wind.
• Yes, I do wear a snow suit. When it gets below 20 degrees, I put on a snow suit (the overall kind) over my clothes. It works really well to keep out the cold.
• A beater bike can help keep your regular bike clean and nice. I have an older bike that I use when it gets nasty outside. This helps to protect my nicer bike from salt, debris, and yucky winter weather.
• Lights are essential. When it gets cold, it also gets dark. So don’t forget your lights!
• Once you start biking, you will heat up, so dress in layers that you can remove.
• Finally, don’t bike if you don’t want to. If it’s too snowy or cold, don’t torture yourself. I don’t want you complaining to me that you hate winter biking because you went out when you didn’t really feel like dealing with it. You can always walk or take the bus (which is sometimes what I do when it gets really bad).

More Winter Bike Commuting Hints and Tips

Keeping Warm, Dry and VISIBLE

In General:

• Layering is key for winter cycling; invest in a pannier into which to discard your layers if you get warm.
• Keep your change of clothes in leak-proof plastic bag inside your normal bag.

Torso:

• Some people find that a sweatshirt and wind/water¬proof shell are sufficient for keeping the torso warm in even the coldest of weather.
• IllumiNITE (illuminite.com) makes cycling jackets that are reflective all over.

Legs:

• Similarly, a pair of rain pants retains plenty of warmth in your legs on the coldest of days.
• Reflective leg-bands are useful for both visibility & safety.

Head:

• You’ll want to layer under your helmet with a hat, earmuffs, balaclava, etc; whichever is appropriate for the weather. Take your helmet shopping with you so you can choose the appropriate thickness/fit.
• Try placing your hat on a heater vent before heading outside; this method will keep your head warm until the circulation from your cycling exertions take over.

Face/Neck:

• You can lose a lot of heat around your neck area. If your shell does not have a collar that seals tight, try a neck band/”dickey”-type.

Hands/Arms:

• Layering on hands/arms is key. Depending on the length of your ride your core will warm up but your limbs might not.
• Ski gloves work well in most temperatures; glove liners underneath make them suitable for the winter.
• Ski mittens may work better for those with poor circulation.

Feet:

• Waterproof boots make the best winter cycling shoes.
• Neoprene socks layered with another pair of winter socks work very well on the coldest days.

The Cycle: Make sure your machine is prepared for the elements

• Fatter tires are better for the winter; there’s more surface area for them to grab onto the available terrain.
• Check your brakes often; apply them early when approaching a stop to clean off their surfaces and your rims and to make sure they haven’t frozen!
• Use lighter lubrication than you would for non-winter condition, and apply it in less quantities but more frequently. Some recommended brands: Boeshield. T-9, White Lightning, Finish Line Cross-Country
• Carry a putty knife or some similar tool for cleaning snow out of “the works” of the bike upon arrival at your destination, especially if there’s the possibility it may not melt before you need to ride again.
• Install fenders (or at least a back fender) for winter riding, but be aware that it may collect snow/ice/other junk during your rides.
• Many people find that studded tires are useful on icy surfaces.
• Outfit yourself (helmet, bag, jacket) and your bike with a white headlight, red backlight and reflective tape (useful for the rest of the year as well!)
• A good LED headlight typically burns brighter and longer than a halogen light using comparable battery power.

Roads/Sidewalks: How to navigate on two wheels in snow/slush/sleet/snow

• Many cyclists actually feel more in control on slippery surfaces on a bike than walking — when cycling, your first reaction when starting to fall is to put your feet down, which is better for your limbs than stopping a fall with your hands. You should, however, be prepared to “tuck and roll” if you’re going too fast to be able to stop yourself with your feet.
• Be on the lookout as you ride for changes in slope (on driveways, sidewalks, crowned/peaked roads, etc.)
• Slow down more than normal for turns and curves
• Watch out also for bumps, pavement joints, grates, manhole covers, etc – any change in terrain can act to trigger a loss of traction.
• Snow that has been tracked through repeatedly by cars or bikes can be quite dangerous; beware of catching your wheel in the tracks of those who’ve gone before.
• Make sure you have bus fare (or a go!pass) in your pocket and a bike lock with you in case you need to lock, walk and ride when the going gets too tough; You should always stop if it gets too cold or dangerous.

Resources for Winter Bike Commuting

• getDowntown Blog: http://blog.getdowntown.org/category/wintering/
• Great Lakes Cycling and Fitness is doing Winter Commuting Clinics. More info: http://www.greatlakescycling.com/2009/10/winter-commuting-clinic/
• Icebike: Lots of good winter commuting information: http://www.icebike.com/
• Commute By Bike Blog has lots of great bike commuting hints and tips, including for cold weather: http://commutebybike.com/cats/commuting-101/
• Tips and Tricks for Bicycle Commuting (including winter commuting): http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/commute/tricks.htm
• Bike Winter: http://bikewinter.org/main.php
• Peace Coffee has a bunch of good info about Winter Biking: http://www.peacecoffee.com/blog/index.php?/archives/73-Winter-Biking-Tips-from-the-Hub-Bike-Coop.html

Feel free to share your own hints and tips below!