Cycling in icy conditions can be dangerous, and cyclists must know how to handle icy roads. However, as winter approaches, this may not be the first thing on your mind. Cycling in the winter is a popular activity for many reasons. It’s great exercise, it can save you money on gas and parking, and it’s just fun to ride a bike around town when it’s cold outside. However, when conditions are icy and snowy, people may be afraid to take their bikes out for a spin. Here’s how to cycle safely in snowy weather.
Is it safe to cycle in snow and ice?
The simple answer is yes. Just make sure you know cycling safety rules and that your bike has the correct accessories. Before I explain how snow biking works, let’s talk about why you should cycle in icy conditions at all. Read also: Mongoose adult bmx bike
How do you cycle in icy conditions?
Cycling in slippery conditions requires that you adjust your cycling technique slightly. You can do this by keeping your lead foot on the clutch and leaning forward when taking off, as well as shifting to the larger gear just before turning or stopping. Also, make sure there’s no contact between wheels and the ice rink – don’t ride across ruts!
Ride on the icy road
When road icing first happens, bicycles get stuck because there is no friction to start them moving again. To remove themselves from this sticky situation, the cyclist must ride across either side of the pavement or track into an unchanneled area on the other side in order to achieve traction.
Wear safety gears
When the road is iced over, most cyclists will opt to use their cycling safety helmet, bike gloves, and a set of winter cycling gear. Cycling safety at night or in low light conditions may require different techniques. For example, mountain bikers may elect to wear a full-face helmet with a visor and goggles.
Avoid sliding into your cycle
First, make sure that there are no pressure points between the frame of your bike and the road surface. For instance, via frozen pipes under tarmac. If the frame does touch anything solid when stopping, try breaking contact as quickly as possible by releasing it from any physical contact. Ensure these contacts can’t be re-established before releasing your foot from the pedals, or you will have to run around in circles after putting weight on it again. Cycling safety gear won’t help.
Keep pedaling
Stop only as a last resort. Remember: If riding cross country across windswept tundra is taking too long, then ditch what you’re wearing! Expect moving air and biting snowflakes first at level one cruisers, which call for patience and reward the most willing riders. This is an apt analogy to urge people not to be “overly cautious” when navigating ice-covered roads.
Keep balance
Cycling safety gear will offer some protection from bumps, but nothing can prevent balance problems in the snow or ice. Therefore cyclists should always make themselves as stable as possible to avoid falling over – even when crossing a frozen lake! If stability along with route navigation is too hard for the human mind, then consider using an artificial intelligence assistant such as Alexa, Siri, and Cortana.
Tips to ride in very cold conditions
-Consider using a full-face helmet with a visor and goggles.
-Stay as balanced as possible to avoid falling over.
-Use an artificial intelligence assistant such as Alexa, Siri, or Cortana if navigating routes becomes too hard for the human mind.
-Take plenty of water and food with you.
-Do not drink alcohol before cycling.
-Only ride cross country when it’s time to return home in a fairly short time period.
-The further away you are from civilization, the less it is worth stopping for food and shelter.
Master your biking skills before moving on icy roads
Cycling safety gear such as hands, skin, and gloves is necessary for increasing the time you can ride in icy conditions, but that does not mean your skills have to become obsolete. Many times life lessons have a funny way of coming in handy, so it is worth revisiting formal skateboarding or motorcycle school to learn moves you can use on your bike – this would also be very useful when moving in snow and ice-covered roads.
The skill sets are gained by going through the motions for ever-increasing speed up until reaching skidding point, where slowing down should not even cause fear (but could add adrenalin). Life skills like driving, snow sports, and biking safety are integral learning experiences that do not need to be taught with textbook notes. Always remember both feet must always remain attached even when operating a vehicle. That is why there are 4 tires on the bike you should use on slippery roads!
Stay out of the gutter
With the dangers from gutter cracks, often caused by icy roads with sand or dry leaves, etc., in them that are swept up by cars on pavements and paths, this is something many cyclists take for granted. Trust me, and there were a few times I would have loved to be taking an easy route over obstacles only to find out about it too late.
Be vigilant when driving into small side streets if at all possible always look both ways before you do and make a wide berth for that narrow side turning lane.
Do not rely on drain covers to keep you safe, whereas pedestrians often use them as barriers. It is just an ice hazard in the same way cobblestones might be considered dangerous if used as stepping stones instead of training wheels!
If riding your bike over these cities, please walk safely (pavement surface) and avoid being left by its looks alone or next to loose concrete slabs.
Conclusion
Cycling in icy conditions can be a challenge. If you are cycling in the winter, make sure to have the right clothing and accessories to keep you warm and safe. You can also find information on how to build your own winter cycling kit on our blog. Have you ever tried to cycle in icy conditions? Tell us about it below!
Also, you may like to read, How to speed up mountain bike?
