By: Pamela Thompson, for The Bike Campaign
Is your New Year’s resolution to get out and about on your bike more frequently? It’s healthy and good for the environment, but January frequently isn’t the best month for weather which can make it hard to stay on track with outdoor goals.
Must-have gear
Fog and rain are common in January, and visibility while on the road is a key concern. Using a front light and rear light during the day increases bicycle visibility in murky weather conditions, and is also crucial if you cycle in the 20 minutes after dawn or before sunset when lights on bicycles are required.
Lights
The newer LED lights feature solid and blinking modes, and are USB rechargeable with mounting systems that make lights easily detachable for theft prevention.
A front light with at least 300 lumens is the minimum strength recommended for riding in the city, and if you’re planning to ride on unlighted paths, out in the country, or at higher speeds 600-800 lumens or more is important for seeing the road ahead of you; rear lights should be 50-100 lumens. There is a wealth of material online that can help you choose the lights you need and outline the available features.
Apparel
Having the correct clothing for winter removes roadblocks to riding in inclement weather. From helmets to shoes, planning for warmth, dryness, and visibility make a difference in how much you enjoy the ride.
For cold, dry days fitting a piece of paper inside your helmet reduces airflow through the helmet vents and keeps your head warmer. For wet days consider a helmet cover which keeps rain out, air flow limited, and usually has reflective tape for increased visibility.
Gloves insulate your hands and fingers against wind chill, keep your hands dry, and add cushioning while riding. Gloves from cycling gear companies combine wind and water protection, and gloves for other outdoor sports often work as well. Hand warmers are also useful for chilly days.
Layering clothing keeps the chill off and the body heat in. As you ride and heat up, being able to remove a layer to stay comfortable is helpful. If your cycling is more purpose driven, like going to the store, you can add and remove layers to match the environment.
Outer layer
Water resistant clothing can make a wet day on the road a lot more fun. Rain ponchos and capes are good options, feature hoods, and have good air flow. Rain pants and jackets are another option, and most are lightweight and will keep you dry while you cycle. Getting rain gear with reflective elements also helps keep you visible while on the road.
Keeping your feet warm and dry during winter rides is key, and winter cycling socks include waterproof, cold weather waterproof, and moisture wicking reflective styles.
Whether you use cycling shoes or regular shoes when you ride, having shoe covers or overshoes is useful. Although they aren’t cheap, they repel water and block wind, making the ride more comfortable, and some feature lights or reflective elements.
The Bike Campaign, along with its counterpart, The Bike Garage, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 to help educate people about bicycling and encourage more people to ride their bikes. We work closely with city governments, county health departments, school districts, and community service groups.
