Winter Bike Tips
Winter biking is safer than you think because you ride slower - all you need is to use some common sense and follow a few tips for a safe warm trip. The hardest part is making the choice to head out the door and get on your bike. It only takes a little pedaling to warm you right up.
Why winter bike?
No windshields to scrape, no hunting for parking, it's free, and you are doing your part to save Missoula's air quality. You may even get where you're going faster than driving, and more alert and in a better mood (yeah endorphins)!
Items you will need for safe winter biking:
- Fender - to keep you clean
- Lights - it gets dark early and stays dark later!
- Clothing - lot of layers!!
- Waterproof shoes with good traction, and windproof gloves.
Care for your bike!
- Lube your bike - wet streets+de-icer= bad news for your bike chain!
- For more traction- wide tires, studded tires, or let some air out of the tires you have.
Extra tips!
- GO SLOW!
- Wear your helmet!
- Stay upright around corners!
- Remove pedal clips, you need your feet free!
FALLS!?!
It is not uncommon to fall over at least once if you are biking in winter weather. If you do fall, try to go with the flow and roll with it- don't try to put all your weight onto one body part!
Graphics and Design by David Reese. Layout by David Reese and Letty Limbach; Spectral Fusion © The University of Montana, 2006.
