November 9, 2018

3 Easy Tips to Navigate Cold-Weather Biking

by Samantha Huff

Is there special clothing I should wear while biking during the winter months?  How do I choose the best bike route when its dark before I leave work?

You may have received these concerning questions and more from your employees as winter approaches. Biking in the winter is easier than you think, and the goDCgo Employer Services team has answers that can help your staff. Share our 3 easy tips to help your employees enjoy this healthy mode of transportation year-round!

1) Choose the right clothing and gear

In the winter, choosing the right clothing is key to keeping warm.

• Wool base layers and a light windproof jacket really add up to retaining warmth without overheating as your body gets moving. You should be a little chilly when you first walk outside before your heart rate gets going, but wear layers in case you need to shed one or two as you ride.
• Wind- and waterproof gloves or mittens can keep your fingers toasty on every ride. Bike-specific “lobster gloves” are great for the coldest days, keeping some fingers together for extra warmth without limiting your ability to use your brakes and gears.
• Keep the wind away with a windbreaker, wind pants or ski gear on top, and choose an insulated hat or headband that you can wear easily under your helmet.
• Safety first! Be sure to wear your helmet to protect yourself. You can purchase a Capital Bikeshare branded helmet at any Virginia Commuter Store (Ballston, Crystal City, Rosslyn and Shirlington)

 2) Plan a Safe Route

Between Daylight Savings Time and the days getting shorter, it gets dark much earlier in the winter. Use the goDCgo Interactive Map to plan your route during the winter. Using bike lanes helps you stay visible with a mass of other cyclists, and navigating to well-lit streets helps you see potholes and other obstacles well in advance.

 3) Shine Bright: Navigating streets when it’s dark

Be sure to have bright front and rear lights packed in your bag and keep an extra stash at your desk in case you leave work later than planned. Make sure you have fresh batteries or plug in your rechargeable lights before you leave work. Wearing reflective clothing or adding a reflective strap to a moving part such as your ankle makes it clear that you’re a cyclist in motion.

More employee questions? Sponsor an Everyday Biking Seminar

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) offers Everyday Biking Seminars to walk your staff through the basics of bike commuting and answer all their questions. (This seminar is FREE for Capital Bikeshare corporate partners!)