How to Tackle Cycling in Bad Weather

Tough weather can take a toll both on you and your bike, but cycling in adverse weather conditions does not have to be difficult or off-putting. You might be quick to stow your bike and retreat indoors but whilst cycling in bad weather can be challenging, it is not impossible. It can even become enjoyable with the right preparation, knowledge and clothing. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a casual commuter, learning how to cycle in adverse weather will expand your cycling capabilities and keep you on the road year-round.

Cycling in Rain

Learning to become comfortable and confident cycling in wet conditions can be a real asset and will make you a better, more competent cyclist. However, when you’re cycling in the rain or just after it has rained and the roads or paths remain wet and slippery, it is important to be more cautious than normal. It is key to avoid cycling on steel surfaces and painted road markings as although white lane lines and other painted surfaces are smoother to cycle on, they can become very slick when they’re wet which makes it more dangerous for you, especially when turning.

Be particularly mindful of painted crossings like zebra crossings, directional arrows, road markings and railway crossings. If you can’t avoid them and must ride over them, do so while going straight rather than turning as this reduces the risk of slipping.

Braking effectiveness is also reduced in wet conditions, so it is crucial you plan ahead. You’ll want to make sure that most of your braking is completed before you initiate a turn. This helps maintain control and reduces your chance of skidding; hard braking mid-turn on a wet surface can quickly lead to a loss of traction and uncontrolled sliding. As your bike tyres have less traction on wet roads, you are not able to lean your bicycle into corners as you normally would – you must keep your bike more upright than unusual.

Focus your eyes on where you want to exit the turn, put your outside pedal down and shift your weight onto it for stability. If you do have to brake, apply light and consistent pressure on both brakes. A common mistake is accelerating too early once exiting a corner. Doing so can shift your weight and cause a loss of traction. Instead, wait until you’ve fully completed the turn or corner before you accelerate as although you may feel like it slows you down, it is only for a brief moment before you regain your speed more effectively and safely. Always steer smoothly and avoid sharp turns or sudden movements to maintain a more solid grip on slick and wet roads.

When navigating roads with a lot of standing water or large puddles it is better to be cautious and avoid cycling through them. Not only will splashing through puddles get you wet but hidden hazards such as potholes and debris can pose serious risks. Approach puddles with care or choose an alternative path if possible.

Installing mudguards on your bike is a practical step you can take to reduce backsplash and keep yourself drier. For more advice on how to prepare your bicycle for winter, read our article here.

Cycling on Ice

Cycling on ice can be tricky and poses additional challenges. To tackle cycling on icy surfaces, consider letting a small amount of air out of your tyres – this increases the surface area of the tyre in contact with the road, enhancing their grip. This could make a significant difference to your stability.

Narrow tyres are less effective in icy conditions, so if your bike has these, reduce your speed and give yourself more time to react.

Avoid cycling near gutters as they can be particularly hazardous after a freeze.

If you do hit a patch of ice, try not to panic. Stay calm and avoid sudden steering movements or sharp braking. If you come across long stretches of ice, consider dismounting and walking with your bike to ensure safety.

Aim to cycle in a straight line without sudden movements, sharp turns or abrupt decelerations. If your rear wheel loses traction and begins to skid, you must try to, again, stay composed. To control a rear-wheel skid, simply place your foot down gently for stability. Lowering your seat before you head out will make this manoeuvre easier. Using flat pedals instead of clip-in pedals will also allow for quicker foot placement if it’s needed. If it is both snowy and icy, be aware that snow can compress into ice around your shoe cleats making it awkward to engage the cleats with the pedals.

As with all adverse weather conditions, make sure you are cycling at a slower pace to keep control and anticipate sudden slips. Stick to well-treated paths and avoid shaded areas where ice is more likely to linger. Also remember where ice has formed previously, these areas tend to freeze repeatedly under similar conditions.

Avoid sudden braking and maintain an even cadence by avoiding abrupt acceleration. If you must brake, do so gently and well in advance to avoid any skidding. If you are uncertain about the road’s condition, just take it slow – icy surfaces are not the place to be aiming for personal bests.

Cycling in Wind

Strong winds can be discouraging, even when there’s the promise of tailwind on your return. If you choose to brave cycling in windy conditions, plan your route so you tackle the headwind at the start of your bike ride when you are the freshest as cycling into the headwind is more demanding.

Factor in extra time for this portion of your ride; for instance, on a two-hour out and back ride, you might spend 1 hour and 15-20 minutes cycling against the wind. Then, as you’ve saved the tailwind for when you are most tired, the return should only take about 40-45 minutes. To check headwind conditions and other weather details before heading out, consider using tools like the Headwind app.

For more comfortable rides, look out for routes that provide natural windbreaks such as those lined with trees or buildings, or ones that frequently change direction to avoid prolonged time battling headwind.

Avoid exhausting yourself by trying to maintain your usual pace in headwind as pushing too hard will only drain your energy and tire you out. Focus instead on your perceived exertion and power output rather than your speed.

When you are facing crosswinds, lean slightly into the wind to maintain balance and tuck in your upper body to reduce wind resistance. Also cycle in lower gears to make pedalling easier and be prepared for sudden gusts by maintaining a firm grip on the handlebars.

Cycling in Snow

Cycling in snowy conditions is significantly easier if your bicycle has larger wheels with wider, low-pressure tyres. A larger ‘tyre footprint’ provides more traction and helps your bike stay on top of the snow. Tyres with a prominent tread lug offer additional grip and help prevent wheel spin. If you typically commute or ride using a road bike, consider switching to a mountain bike, if you have one, as it will give you better stability and traction better suited to snowy conditions.

Reduce your tyre pressure to the minimum recommended on the tyre sidewall – this will enhance your grip.

Pedalling through snow requires more effort, so choose a lower gear to make it manageable. Staying seated whilst pedalling helps keep your weight over the rear wheel thus improving traction and reducing the risk of your wheels spinning out.

Maintain a steady pace as whilst snow isn’t as slippery as ice, it’s still possible to lose control. As well all adverse weather, avoid sudden, sharp turns that could cause your front wheel to snowplough and compromise stability.

Cycling in Fog or Mist

When cycling in foggy or misty conditions, it is essential to equip your bike with bright, high-powered lights. Doubling up on front and rear lights, with one flashing and one steady, will enhance your visibility, helping you to see and be seen. To cut through dense fog, you will need lights that are exceptionally bright, even if they would be too dazzling for normal conditions.

However, despite using bright lights, always assume that other road users may not see you until the last moment. Ride defensively as if you are invisible traffic. Choose routes with minimal traffic or move in close to the road’s edge when you hear a vehicle approaching from behind. If necessary, slow down or stop to avoid straying into a car’s path.

Additionally, remember that fog often leaves the road surface damp. Be cautious and avoid cycling over drains and road markings, which can become slick. Anticipate a longer braking distance and adjust your speed accordingly.

Cycling in the Dark or in Low Sun

Longer nights and the low winter sun present significant challenges in winter due to shorter daylight hours. The low sun is particularly problematic during peak traffic times, at the end of the morning commute and the start of evening rush hour, when glare can severely limit visibility for all road users. If you’re a commuting cyclist, take extra precautions as both your visibility and the visibility of others is compromised. It is sensible to carry spare lights and batteries to ensure you are always prepared and never caught out.

When cycling in the dark, you must have your legally required front and rear lights switched on. Wearing reflective gear such as helmet covers, clothing, and rucksacks can greatly enhance your visibility to others. Additionally, periodically sounding your bell can help alert pedestrians and fellow cyclists to your presence. Whenever possible, opt for less crowded routes to minimise potential hazards.

Clothing for Bad Weather Cycling

When heading out for a bike ride in bad weather, you need to make sure you are appropriately dressed. Getting too cold or wet can make your ride uncomfortable and could even lead you to cut it short. Pay particular attention to your hands, feet and head, as these are the areas most vulnerable to the cold. Bring thermal tops, jumpers and additional layers in case you end up stopping for long periods of time.

Start with a cycling cap. They are affordable and effective at keeping rain off your head and out of your eyes. You wear it under your helmet and it blocks the helmet’s vents, helping to prevent your head from getting overly cold or wet. Waterproof versions are available and will repel rain rather than absorbing it. Keep in mind, though, that a cycling cap is not a substitute for a helmet. Additionally, balaclavas and face hoods are great options for protecting your face from wind and rain.

It is also essential to invest in good cycling gloves. They should be thick enough to keep your hand warm, but not so thick that they impair your control over the brakes and gears. Neoprene gloves are an excellent choice as they keep water out whilst preserving dexterity. Before you hit the road, make sure you can effectively brake and shift gears whilst wearing the gloves.

A high-quality waterproof jacket that keeps you warm and fends off the rain is another must-have. Breathability is also important as being damp whilst overheating is uncomfortable. Your jacket’s fit will depend on your riding style. If you are a commuter cyclist, you may prefer a looser fit that accommodates extra layers. Road cyclists, you might choose a race-fit jacket with minimal excess material to maintain as aerodynamic as possible. A jacket with a hood and rain shield is helpful to keep rain from dripping directly onto your face. Features like an adjustable collar and cuffs are also important for comfort. If it’s dry when you leave, consider packing a foldable wind jacket to handle light rain. These jackets are compact enough to store in a bag and can be a lifesaver in unexpected downpours or chilly descents.

Overshoes are another vital piece of adverse weather cycling armour. They offer protection for your shoes, ensuring your feet stay dry. If you often ride in the dark, go for overshoes with reflective elements to enhance your visibility. Some overshoes even have a thermal function to keep your feet extra warm.

As well as overshoes, you could use plastic bags. Even with mudguards, keeping your feet dry in heavy rain can be challenging so you can use a plastic bag as an additional barrier. Simply place the bag over your socks, pull up your bib tights or similar, then put on your shoes and overshoes. This should shield your feet even more from the wet.

If it’s really raining, you may need waterproof trousers too. If you are wearing these in conjunction with a rain jacket it could lead to overheating, so make sure you choose breathable waterproof trousers.

Preparing with the right clothing will allow you to stay comfortable and protected even during the most challenging weather conditions.

Is Cycling in the Cold and Wet Good for You?

Don’t let bad weather deter you from cycling – you should embrace it! Scientists suggest that exposure to colder temperatures can trigger a range of amazing health benefits, such as burning fat, boosting your metabolism, fighting Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and boosting mental resilience. Don’t be afraid of the cold, lean into it instead and reap the rewards of a more invigorating and rewarding cycle ride.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, your cycling skills are key as no matter how powerful your brakes are or how advanced your cycling gear is, they won’t fully protect you from accidents. Always ride cautiously and at a slower pace in bad weather to stay safe. To further safeguard your bike, protect it with our bicycle insurance.

Are you struggling to find the perfect Christmas gift for your cycling buddy? If so, we have you covered with our top 14 cycling gift ideas.