What? You’ve never seen a bike in the winter?

Snowed-in cars on Beaudry Street. Don’t feel like shoveling? Take your bike! Photo by Misha Warbanski

I like the community spirit sparked by the first big snowfall. People chat as they shovel out their cars and are quick to lend a push when someone gets stuck. As a cyclist I don’t have to shovel, but I like the camaraderie with the the couriers and other cyclists and the occasional cheers of ‘way to go’ from passing pedestrians.

I try to bike all year, though I usually wimp out for a month in February. This will be my fourth winter on two wheels (though one of those years was in Germany where an inch of snow shut everything down). I’m used to the surprised and confused expressions as people aren’t always used to someone in the snow on a bike. But today I was disappointed by the number of gawkers. Come one people, pointing and staring is never been polite!

The City has committed to plowing the bike paths this winter (though today they were about a foot below the white stuff), so I propose a brief lesson in winter biking for my gawking fellow Montrealers.

Why do you do it? I hate feeling like I’m a victim to winter. And rather than freeze waiting for the bus or die of heat in the metro, it feels really good to get the blood pumping a bit, especially during a generally sedentary time of the year.

What should I wear? You don’t have to go out and buy a whole lot of specialized gear. Try what’s already in your closet before you drop 70 bucks on a pair of special leggings. Good boots are key to keeping your feet warm and dry. Dress in layers – it’s doesn’t feel as cold when you’re on the move, but the temperature drops after dark. Make sure your jacket is long enough to keep the cold out. Wear earwarmers, a toque or bandana, but don’t forget the helmet! Take time to adjust your helmet to make sure it fits snugly and comfortably. Warm mittens and a scarf up to your nose.

Isn’t winter biking dangerous? It can be for several reasons: 1) drivers don’t always expect to see cyclists in the winter 2) it can be slippery 3) you spend a lot of time biking in the dark. Here’s how to stay safer: Always wear a helmet and make sure you have lights and reflectors. Stick to main roads that have seen more traffic, these won’t be icy. You can get special tires, but I just stick to my 1 1/4 inchers because they cut down through the snow.

How do I keep my bike in working order? Oil your chain regularly with some motor oil (check the gas station garbage if you don’t want to buy a whole can). Try to lock up where the bike is protected from the elements and is safe from street and sidewalk snowplows. Ask your employer if indoor bicycle parking can be provided. Some parking garages have bike racks. Check your brakes and cables regularly – good braking is even more important in the winter. Install fenders (choose or construct a pair that give lot of space so they won’t get gummed with snow. Fenders will protect your bike frame from the gooeyness of winter and protect your bum and back from a slushy stripe.

How can I learn more? If you want more information both Right to Move bike co-op and Allego Concordia occasionally offer workshops on winter biking.