For many people in BC, biking is a fair-weather activity. We tend to ride on two wheels in the warmer months, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Biking’s an awesome way to stay in shape, see friends, pick up groceries and glide past traffic. So, in partnership with our friends at HUB Cycling, here are some wet and cold weather cycling tips to keep you warm, dry and safe on the road.

Before you go

When it comes to wet, wintery-weather cycling, a little planning goes a long way. Proper bike maintenance is as important as riding in the right gear.

Practice regular maintenance and inspection. Keep your brakes clean, your chain oiled and your tires well-inflated. It’s also a good idea to wash or wipe down your bike when you finish each ride, especially if its been raining, to prevent damage over time. Keeping your bike maintained will minimize the risk of a mechanical breakdown and make sure it performs properly in an emergency (like having to stop suddenly).

Get proper bike set up and gear. For cold, rainy day rides you want to:

• Dress for the weather and to be seen. Always wear bright colours and reflective gear no matter the time of day. And don’t forget your feet. Waterproof shoes or shoe coverings are a great option. For warmth, wool keeps you dry even when it’s wet. Look for merino wool base layers, glove liners, socks and everything else for cold-weather commutes.
• Fenders are a must for comfortable wet-weather bike rides, as they will protect your body and bicycle from the water, mud and sand kicked up from the road.
• Rain or shine, to safely ride your bike, it is essential to have your equipment working correctly. Here is a comprehensive gear check list.

Know your limits. Always be smart about venturing out into the elements and know your limits. Check the forecast before you leave and use good judgement. If you can’t see 10 feet in front of you, the streets are beginning to look more like a river or the wind is blowing so hard the trees look like they might uproot, it’s best to leave your bike at home.

On the road

Riding in cold, wet weather is not all that different from riding in dry weather, you just need to be cautious and safe. Here are some tips and tricks for cycling in the rain and cold:

Be highly visible. Lights, lights and more. Always ensure your bike has at least a white front light and a red rear light. Reflectors on all angles of your bike and clothing are helpful, as are helmet lights, which provide a higher point of visibility and lateral coverage whenever you stop and look side-to-side. We also recommend reflector vests and bands to make you even more visible.

Be extra wary of motorists’ blind spots. Even if you’ve taken the necessary precautions, it’s best to run on the assumption that motorists cannot see you. Rain obscures drivers’ vision, so always ride defensively. Make eye contact with drivers wherever possible and stay out of blind spots.

Be mindful of road conditions. Look out for slick spots on the roads. Any form of metal, like maintenance hole covers or railroad tracks, are all going to be extra slippery in the rain. Similarly, piles of leaves and painted lines will be a bit slick, as will anywhere you see gasoline on the concrete as the new rain brings up oil and gas left from cars. So, stay aware of the road ahead.

Watch for black ice. This is especially important on morning commutes when temperatures have reached freezing overnight. Avoid areas where water is likely to have built up and frozen like gutters, at the edge of puddles where there may be a thin sheet of frozen water, under bridges and around drains.

Don’t ride through puddles on roads you’re unfamiliar with. Although riding through puddles might seem harmless, it could send you flying over your handlebars. The water reflection can easily disguise potholes or dips in the road, so avoid them all together.

Adjust your braking. Wet or icy conditions can reduce the effectiveness of your brakes. Always play it safe and give yourself twice as long to come to a stop as you normally would.

Ride slowly (and defensively). Give yourself extra reaction time to handle the unexpected because you just never know what might come your way.

In certain parts of the province, winter blows a whole lot more your way than freezing temperatures and rain. If you’re considering biking in the snow this winter, there are a few extra considerations to ensure that your bike is road ready. Check out this gear and how-to guide for cycling through snow and remember that the same advice applies – stay warm, be seen and exercise caution.

For the unexpected, BCAA can help

Most BCAA Members are familiar with our 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance. Did you know that you can get the same level of service when you're riding your bike as when you take your car?

A BCAA Membership provides access to 24/7 Bike Assist if you get a flat tire or a broken chain. Give us a call and we're send a BCAA Technician to help get you back on the road, or we'll help get your bike to a repair shop or home (up to the distance included in your Membership plan) if we can't fix it on the spot. Have an e-bike? No problem. A BCAA Plus or Premier Membership has you covered.

Not a BCAA Member? Join today