Winter Biking SeminarFox Cities Cycling Association

November 2013

Winter Biking, in Wisconsin?!?• We will share our

experiences on how to overcome some of winter’s challenges (snow, ice, cold, darkness) and have a fun and safe biking experience

• Topics– Equipment– Clothing– Safety– Upcoming Events

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Fenders are a bike’s best friend• Fenders help keep salty slush away from drivetrain• Check to verify you have at least ½” clearance

between tire and fender

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Drivetrain• If using a derailleur, clean and lube chain more often

– Rotate the closest pedal slowly backward, inspecting the individual chain links for dirt buildup, rust and/or tight links (links that do not bend easily as they pass through the rear derailleur). Check for adequate lubrication by listening for squeaks while riding. If you find either condition, your chain needs at least a spot-cleaning.

– To spot-clean the chain while it's still installed on your bike, simply brush out the links with a firm brush (toothbrushes work well) and relubricate the links from time to time with a chain lubricant. Remember to wipe off excess lubricant with a clean, dry rag so that it doesn't pick up new dirt.

• At end of season, inspect chain and replace if needed• Consider internal drive or single speed to enable use of chain case

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Studded Tires• Highly recommended to reduce falls on slippery roads• Carbide studs recommended for longer stud life• Studs only help on ice, the tire tread is what improves traction

in snow

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Most Winter Weather is Great!November 1- April 30

Daily Highs Daily Lows

Layering• Base layer - wick moisture away from your body

– This is your next-to-skin layer. It helps regulate your body temperature by moving perspiration away from your skin.

• Middle layer - retain heat– The insulating layer helps you retain heat by trapping air close to your body.

• Protective layer - block wind and rain• Most waterproof jackets do not ventilate well in the cold weather. Options

include active ventilation (pit zips, etc.) or a wind-proof front with ventilating back and underarm panels (e.g. REI Novara Headwind Bike Jacket).

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Da Feet• Recommend wool socks, can use a wool liner sock– Naturally odor resistant– Stay warm, even when wet

• Boots – consider a winter hiking boot with platform pedals

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Hands• Liner gloves and

mittens make for warm hands

• Helpful to keep wrists covered and warm for warm hands

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Head• Ear muffs/Ear band/neck gaiter – for cool temps• Balaclava – for colder temps• Consider snowboard helmet and goggles

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Helmets…

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• “Bicycle helmets are 85- to 88-percent effective in mitigating head and brain injuries, making the use of helmets the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and fatalities resulting from bicycle crashes.”– www.nhtsa.gov

Safety Equipment Options

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• “Be Visible”– Headlight – “be seen” flash

mode– Taillight– Safety vest or other

• “Anticipate Conflicts”– Rear View mirror

• “Wear a Helmet”

Rules of the Road

Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

WI Night Requirements 347.489(1)• Bicycling at night requires at least a white front

headlight and a red rear reflector. – The white front light must be visible to others 500 feet away.– The red rear reflector must be visible to others between 50

and 500 feet away.

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Front Light - See or be seen? (Both are recommended!)

• See - Helps you see road hazards such as holes, ice, debris– Many bright battery

powered LED lights • Rechargeable is a plus!

– Dynamo powered lights now significantly brighter with efficient LEDs

• Be seen – flashing LED– Helmet-mounted is good

option to ensure drivers see you

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How to Not Get Hit by CarsImportant Lessons in Bicycle Safety

• References– http://bicyclesafe.com/– http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/injur

y-prevention/ride-smart

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Left CrossA motorist fails to see a cyclist and makes a left turn--it accounts for almost half of all bike-car crashes.

How to avoid this collision:

• Watch for drivers turning left across your path

• Don't ride on the sidewalk.• Use a headlight. • Wear something bright, even

during the day. • Don't pass on the right.

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Right CrossA car is pulling out of a side street, parking lot, or driveway on the right.

How to avoid this collision:

Use a headlight. Slow down.

If you can't make eye contact with the driver, slow down so much that you're able to completely stop if you have to.

Ride further left

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Right Hook A motorist passes a cyclist on the left and turns right into the bike's path.

How to avoid this collision:

• Don't ride on the sidewalk. • Ride to the left. • Glance in your mirror

before approaching an intersection. (If you don't have a handlebar or helmet mirror, get one now.)

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The Door PrizeA cyclist traveling next to parked cars lined up on the street strikes a car door opened by the driver.

How to avoid this collision:• Ride to the left

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The Rear EndA car runs into you from behind. This is what many cyclists fear the most, but it's actually not very common, comprising only 3.8% of collisions.

How to avoid this collision:

• Use a mirror. • Wear a reflective vest• Get a rear light.• Don't swerve in and out of the

parking lane if it contains any parked cars.

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Know the Tricks

When it is wet or icy:• pump the brakes• ride slowly • keep your weight over the back wheel • lean less into the turn

Know your Options: After a fresh snow …

you may be able to get more traction on an unplowed side street than on an icy main street.

Embrace Winter!The FCCA invites you to join us at

our next events• Thanksgiving Moonlight Ride

– Friday Nov 22 - 7:30 pm at Houdini Plaza

• Christmas Parade– Tuesday Nov 26 - 5:45 pm State

Street• Christmas Moonlight Ride

– Friday December 27 – 7:30 pm at Houdini Plaza

• Resolution Ride– Wednesday January 1, 2014 -

11:00 am at Fox River House