Whether you ride a bike for exercise or use one to get to work, staying safe during the winter requires keeping certain tips in mind. While there may be snow and ice on the ground, you don’t necessarily need to find another mode of transportation. The next time you head to a nearby bike shop, ask them if they have any bicycles built to perform in inclement weather. Having the right equipment will make it significantly easier to avoid injury.

To ride your bike safely during winter, you should also follow these key pieces of advice:

1. Follow Plowed Areas

If you live in a major city, bike lanes will typically be plowed along with the rest of the road. Get a sense of which routes are plowed first, and follow them.

2. Be Vigilant

Most drivers don’t expect to come across any bikers during the winter. Since they’ll be less vigilant about spotting you, you need to be more careful about avoiding them.

3. Ride Slow

Winter is not the time of year to push your limits. Ride slower during this season, and on particularly icy stretches of road, only apply the rear brake.

4. Choose Proper Headwear

You should always wear a helmet when riding, but during the winter, you’ll probably want additional layers to keep your head warm. To stay safe, opt for a ski mask or similar headwear instead of a hood. Air can flow easily into a hood, inflating it and creating resistance.

5. Store Your Bike Somewhere Cold

It may seem counterintuitive, but during winter, it’s smart to store your bicycle in a cold place, like your garage. If it’s kept warm, ice can develop more easily in the gears and braking system when you bring it out into the freezing temperatures.

For more information, speak with the experts in your area. They’ll know about the particular conditions in your region and what you can do to ride safely during winter.

Are you looking for a new bike? Head to Jim’s Bike & Key Shop, in Columbia, MO. Contact them online to learn more about what they have to offer or call (573) 442-7011.