In most parts of the country, winter is not the ideal time to hop on a bike. There’s often ice, snow, and cold temperatures. But across the San Francisco Bay Area, it’s a different story. While summer tends to be breezy and chilly, winter is known for being pretty mild and temperate here.
This is great news for cyclists. But shorter days, rain, and fog can sometimes complicate things. To keep up with your daily ride, you’ll need to make sure you’re dressing for the occasion, preparing for fluctuating temperatures, maintaining your bike properly, and finding ways to keep cycling exciting.
This can be an exciting time for cyclists, even if there’s some degree of challenge in getting in a daily ride. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe, enjoyable season of riding.
Stay warm, be seen
The average temperature for San Francisco from December through February hovers around 60 degrees. You can count on about a week’s worth of rain each month during the winter.
Overall, this makes for great riding, but conditions can quickly change, so it pays to be prepared and wear gear that’ll keep you warm and dry.
Thermal: If the forecast calls for precipitation, dress in layers. This is a good tip for year round, but especially when the weather is likely to fluctuate. 60 degrees might sound balmy, but you may be surprised at how chilly it can get. Thermals or other base layer pieces can keep you warm and limit bulkiness. These pieces can also wick away sweat and keep the body temperature regulated, so you’ll also avoid getting too hot if you’re working hard.
Socks: You don’t necessarily have to wear thick socks to keep warm, just make sure they’re made of a quality knit, like merino wool. It’s equally important to keep your feet dry. Pairing warm socks with foot covers can achieve this, and they’ll prevent your feet from losing heat. A win-win. For shoe covers, look for a material that is water resistant. Even if the temperature isn’t freezing, wet feet can be miserable and make you feel much colder.
Gloves: Just like your feet, you’ll want to keep your hands warm. Without them, it can be a rather unpleasant commute. Look for a pair of gloves that have anti-slipping qualities. This way, if there’s precipitation, you’ll be able to hold on to your handlebars tightly. Smartphone compatible gloves can be helpful, too. If you’re in an emergency and need to make a call, you won’t have to pull off gloves.
Reflective gear: It’s a good idea to always wear reflective clothing when riding a bike, no matter the season. But when the sun sets much earlier in the day, helping vehicle drivers see you can improve your safety on the road. Brightly colored clothing can be helpful in the daytime, but a reflective vest or jacket catches the light from headlights, so at dawn, dusk, or in the dark you’ll have an extra layer helping others see you.
Keep up on bike maintenance
Because so many people don’t see winter as prime riding time, it can be easy to let maintenance slip. Use this season to make a checklist of all of your bike’s needs and make sure they’re met.
Here are a few items you’ll want to stay up on throughout the season:
Air pressure: Keep in mind that air pressure loss can happen more quickly when colder temperatures hit. Big temperature dips aren’t commonly part of the Bay Area climate, but if you travel or the weather changes, remember to double-check your tires. As a part of regular bike maintenance, give your tires a quick check to ensure that you don’t encounter any flats on your ride.
Brake pads: Noisy brake pads can be a sign that it’s time for a service, but cyclists should check their brake pads often. A local bike shop can help you choose the right replacement.
Cleanliness: The elements along with the grime that comes with urban riding can take a toll on a bicycle, so remember to regularly clean your bike. Wipe the frame down and clean the chains as necessary.
Try a new route
Because northern California weather is mild in the winter, it’s a good opportunity to use the season as a way to explore and branch out, even on your daily rides. Finding a new trail, bike path, or route to work or school can keep the excitement high and help you find joy in riding every day.
Check out SFMTA’s bikeway network map to find new routes across the city. This is a great resource for new riders and seasoned vets alike. It can be easy to get in a routine and stick with it, but finding a new route opens you up to a new adventure, and in the winter that can be a breath of fresh air.
Remember to plan for shorter days and earlier sunsets. Taking an unfamiliar route is a great way to keep up the grind, but be mindful of any additional challenges the season might bring.