Poor street conditions and visibility can make winter riding seem a dangerous ordeal. But the skills that get you through the next few months will only make you a better rider all the time.

Street Conditions

• The streets are slickest when it first begins to rain or snow. Don't race to beat the downpour!
• Manhole covers, leaves and metal bridges are particularly slick and dangerous when wet.
• Plowed snow reduces operating room on the roads.
• Fresh snow makes traction difficult.
• And then there are regular ole hazards--potholes, cracks and RR crossings

Strategies:

• Know your route so you can anticipate the rough spots--pinch points, bad pavement, RR crossings, manhole and construction covers. . .
• When it is wet or icy, pump the brakes, ride more slowly, keep your weight stable and on the back wheel, and don't lean into turns as much. Stay the course and keep pedaling--your bike wants to stay upright, and momentum will help it.
• Don't feel you have to ride on a metal bridge when it is icy or wet. Walk or ride slowly on the sidewalk, being mindful of pedestrians.
• When it is wet or icy, make turns much more gradually. If you turn too abruptly, you might skid and lose control.
• When it snows, follow the ruts created by cars, avoiding ridges which can deflect the front wheel and cause a spill.
• Under particularly extreme conditions, you might fall even if you have excellent bike handling skills. While there is always the risk of injury when falling, taking a martial arts or gymanastics class and learning how to fall may be beneficial. Many people try to bend their wrists in an effort to use their hands to catch themselves. However, during a hard fall, this can break your wrists. It's often better to take the impact flat along your forearms. And do whatever you can to avoid landing on your head. If you learn how to fall correctly, it could be the most important thing you learn from a martial arts class.
• Under icy conditions, consider alternate routes. Many of us are creatures of habit, taking the same route to a given destination. But sometimes we need to break these habits while winter cycling. On some roads, motorists are prone to drive too fast even when roads are slippery. In some jurisdictions, such motorists may be breaking the law, but, worse, they endanger others on the road... including cyclists. You may want to investigate alternate routes during good conditions, so don't you don't have to do guesswork when you are out cycling under bad conditions. (An unploughed sidestreet where cars are poking along at 15 mph might be better than an icy artery where cars are sliding across the road at 40 mph or more.) Many City of Chicago roads fortunately have frequent stop signs or stop lights to tame cars, but be especially careful of any long stretch where cars can go long distances without expecting to slow down or stop.