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Bike, Bicycle

Biking in All Weather - 2022-01-27

Section titled “Biking in All Weather - 2022-01-27”

Source: My personal notes from a session by CycleToronto

  • Safety equipment
    • Lights
      • White front, red back, reflectors
      • Bring multiple lights
    • Helmet
      • 2-V-1
        • 2 fingers between eyebrows and helmet
        • 1 “V” around your ears
        • 1 finger between the strap and your chin
        • Helmet standard certification
    • Bicycle bells
      • Legally required
      • Use when passing, car doors open
      • Let people know you’re coming
  • ABC check
    • Air
      • Tires
      • In winter, there is more debris on roads, working tired more
    • Brakes and bars
      • Check back wheel up on front and skidding on back wheel
      • Lever should not touch handlebar on pull
    • Chain and crank
      • Lubrication and no rust, rust wears other components
      • No rattling
  • Clothing for wet & cold weather
    • No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing
    • Recommendations:
      • Layers
        • Inner - dry fit, merino wool, wicking layers
        • Insulation - down, fleece
        • Outer - waterproof breathable, high visibility
        • Take extra gear, backups
      • Feet and hands additional layers
      • Ski goggles, safety eyewear
      • Cycle Toronto Winter Riding
  • Equipment
    • Tires and Fenders
      • Decrease tire pressure to lower end of range
      • Thick tires: feel more stable, but may get caked with snow
      • Thin tires: good for slicing through slush, and less treads may actually mean better grip
      • Studded winter tires: good for ice
      • Fenders: protect from slush but may fill up with snow
    • Other
      • Rags - for both the chain and the wheel rims
      • “Wet” lubricant
      • Lights and reflective tape (for both bike and clothing!)
      • Lighter (de-icer) for lock, always lock with keyhole facing down, cover lock
        • Lock in safe, clear area, no water
  • Maintenance
    • Reducing rust on steel frames
      • Touch-up chipped paint and dents
      • Aerosol lubricant in drainage holes and posts
      • Clean and wax the frame
      • Wipe down bike after every ride and after cleaning
    • Storage
      • Avoid storing inside a warm building; changes in temperature can affect cables
      • Store in a garage, under a roof outdoors, or in a bike storage container if possible
      • If using a tarp, ensure ventilation
  • Tips for winter riding
    • High visibility
    • Move out of snow drifts
    • When riding in clear conditions, become familiar with potholes, uneven ground, and obstacles
    • Practice riding on icy and snow-covered streets at a time/place with fewer cars around
    • Check the weather forecast, give more time to travel, more time to brake
    • Behaviour:
      • Use main streets
      • Light on front brake
      • Signal, shoulder checks
      • Cross streetcar tracks at 90 degrees and check location
  • Route-planning
  • Using Bike Share
    • Keep your personal bike safe from winter wear and tear
    • Make your commute healthy, fun, green and affordable
    • Can ride for 30-45 minutes at a time before redocking
    • Good for one-way trips
    • Zero maintenance, no threat of theft
    • Stable feeling for winter riding
    • E-assist bikes available
  • Bikes, the TTC, the GO, Biking good for physical distancing
    • Avoid rush hour