Winter Safety and Gear Tips

Toronto’s first major snowfall of 2010 may be on the roads, but that doesn’t mean cyclists must pack it in for the winter. With the right clothing, gear and techniques, even the most casual cyclist can keep rolling all year round.

You may look a bit funny. Your friends and colleagues will call you crazy. But it’s warmer than walking, and best of all you won’t feel guilty when you reach for seconds from the holiday dessert tray.

Herein, everything you need to know about winter cycling in the GTA.

Winter riding safety tips

Courtesy of Shah Mohamed, bike educator at the Evergreen Brickworks, where he teaches workshops on safe winter cycling

• Ride slower

Give yourself up to double the time to get to your destination. A slower, more controlled pace gives you more ability to react and recover. You should also allow more space between you and other cyclists.

• Anticipate stops

Braking will be more difficult in icy conditions, especially if snow cakes on to your wheels or brake pads. Anticipate stops by gradually reducing speed and giving yourself twice the stopping distance than you normally would.

• Be aware

You should be checking over your shoulders two to three times more often when riding in the winter, and in general should be more aware of your surroundings.

Reduce tire pressure to....

Read the rest over at thestar.com

By Brendan Kennedy, Toronto Star, December 12, 2010