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Tips For Biking Through All Of Winter 2017
By
Scott Heins
Published Jan 5, 2017
Modified Jan 5, 2017
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By
Scott Heins
Published Jan 5, 2017
Modified Jan 5, 2017
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It's a new year, and that means resolutions, right? Now's the time to make some changes, set some goals, and get back on track. Maybe you'd like to save money, exercise a little more, be kinder to the planet? Those are all great resolutions for 2017, and an easy way to accomplish all of them is bucking up and biking straight through winter 2017.
I tried to tell you sad straphangers last year that winter biking was worth it—that it was an empowering and frugal form of locomotion that will not only make you feel great, but is a better, more efficient alternative to the train. But here we are, in the middle of another dry, balmy winter and yet I still see too many empty bike lanes out there. According to the DOT, interborough cycling dropped precipitously between October and November, and January is regularly the lowest month of citywide riding. What gives?! It's not that cold here, and there's no snow on the ground! If you're still nervous about the idea of winter biking, here are some fresh tips for how to not just survive but thrive out there on the blustery open road.
1. Take Good Care of Your Bike
First things first—take your ride in for a tuneup. Winter cycling conditions are darker, colder, and more difficult, which means you're going to want your brakes, chain, and gears finely tuned. Quick, monthly trips to a nearby bike shop for cleaning and adjustments will pay dividends, and ensure that when the warm weather returns, your ride isn't permanently damaged by salt and rust. If you ride a high end steed worth more than, say, $500, go buy yourself a beater mountain bike at any used shop or through craigslist. Otherwise, a little extra TLC is all you need to stay safe and happy. A well-tuned bike will make for happier, smoother riding and keep you enthused about heading out on two wheels even when the windchill turns subzero.
(Also, don't buy one of these dumb fat tire bikes unless you plan to go rip some offroad trails in the Poconos.)
2. Use Safety Equipment
Biking without lights endangers you and every other human being around you, so make sure you've got a set of working, flashing, and very bright lights on both the front and back of your ride. Winter means shorter days and you'll likely be riding home from work in the dark. Drivers, pedestrians, and even other cyclists won't be expecting you so be sure you can be seen coming from far away. I use these rechargeable ones, and they're excellent.
Also, you need to wear a damn helmet.
3. Practice Good Etiquette
Just like in the warmer months, winter bikers must stay off the sidewalks! They're often icier than the roads and belong to pedestrians. Biking there puts everyone at risk and gives all cyclists a bad rep. Also, try your hardest not to bring your bike on the train in the winter. It's a big, dirty, sometimes-dripping piece of metal that takes up valuable rider space and is bound to draw the ire of fellow commuters and, again, give all cyclists a bad rep. I personally believe taking your bike on the train is your personal right as a fare-paying MTA customer, but in these chillier, slushier times it's just not worth it. If the weather is extremely bad, just take the train that day. Odds are it will be crowded, sweaty, and slow, which will renew your inner cycling flame and get you back out on the road.
4. Layers!
Last, but not least, break out the layers! Keeping your face, fingers, and toes frostbite free begins with a solid foundation of long underwear, flannels, and sweatshirts, but keep in mind that your body will warm up from the exercise and don't overdo it. Your body temperature will rise substantially by the time you're halfway to work, so wear things that can zip open and close to keep you comfortable. On your legs, you most certainly do not need NIKE PRO HYPERWARM AEROLOFT leggings. Layer pairs of simple, cheap long underwear under your sturdiest pants and you're good to go. Wear tiny gloves underneath a bigger pair of water-resistant ones (again, I recommend deerskin). Were a thin knit hat under your helmet. On very cold days, don a balaclava mask to cover your face and wear ski goggles. I've already stated my case for them:
And as far as ski goggles go, just trust me on this. Biking through tough winter weather is all about keeping your confidence up, and with a pair of goggles on your face, you will fear nothing. You will wonder how you ever even considered biking without them. You will own the road and confuse your coworkers. You will mean serious business. The second you put them on, you will feel like a golden-eyed god.
The more you bike during the winter, the easier it gets. After a few days, the cold air and chilling wind will become the new normal, and you'll love biking in January, February, and March for the same reasons you love it in July. It saves money, shoots you full of endorphins, adds some sunlight to your day, and is, most importantly, fun. Train delays and crowded platforms will become a distant memory as you coast along, safely covered and equipped. This is simple, easy, and fun! Grab some gloves, tighten up that chain, and bike to work.
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biking
winter biking
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Scott Heins
Scott Heins is a freelance photo and video journalist based in New York City, and a frequent contributor to Gothamist + WNYC. His work often centers around labor rights, housing, and policing. In 2018-2019 he traveled to four states while covering a wave of public school teachers strikes, with work featured in The New York Times, The Intercept, Getty Images, Splinter, and Bloomberg Photos. Scott is a dues-paying member of the National Writers Union's Freelance Solidarity Project.
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