How To Prepare Your Bicycle For Safe Riding in Cold Weather

Autumn's cooler temperatures and changing colors make it a fantastic bike riding season, but as the days get shorter, darker and wetter, cyclists should take care to outfit their rigs, and themselves, for better comfort and visibility. Read on for some tips on how to stay safe and warm while <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freewheel_%28bicycle_part%29" target="_blank">freewheeling</a> through the worst weather fall and winter have to offer!

<strong>Visibility:</strong> Front and rear lights are the most important accessory to make you visible and keep you safe. Foggy, rainy and otherwise hazy conditions make it tougher to see. Switching on the LEDs is never a bad idea.

Bike light technology and design has come a long way and there are many <a href="http://www.planetbike.com/page/learn/articles/chooselight/" target="_blank">choices</a> on the market today. Halogen, LED, HID (High Intensity Discharge), and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/down-low-glow-bike-lights/" target="_blank">glowing tube</a> lights are all good options.

Don’t forget to cover your hands, feet, head and neck. These are major areas of heat loss. Scarves, gloves and <a href="http://www.ecouterre.com/bike-powered-sewing-machine-churns-out-bicycle-caps-for-nycs-new-museum/" target="_blank">bicycle-manufactured skull caps</a> (that your helmet can fit over) are <a href="http://inhabitat.com/swags-ultralight-waterproof-backpack-bed-provides-aid-to-homeless/" target="_blank">packable</a>, lightweight ways to help regulate body temperature.

"As I was riding [to work] I was squinting because you are riding into the wind and the rain is getting into your eyes...I've been experimenting with how to get water out of my eyes. I borrowed some safety glasses from my sculpture studio and that kind of helped a little bit," says urban cyclist and innovator, Cole Sanchez.

Switching out narrow racing <strong>tires</strong> for something with more pronounced tread is another way to provide more traction and keep you from skidding out at stop signs.

"You don't necessarily need to go with something mountain bike knobby," Cole told <em>Inhabitat</em>. "There are a lot of options out there. Touring tires are a good choice because they're for mixed terrain and will work well on something like a road bike or a hybrid."

If you don't mind the extra turbulence, you could go the DIY route and strap <a href="http://inhabitat.com/make-snow-tires-for-your-bike-with-zip-ties/" target="_blank">zip ties</a> to your Continentals.

An equally effective alternative to a saddle cover is a ubiquitous plastic bag. Recycling a plastic sack by tying it to your saddle post will protect your saddle and prevent a sopping behind.

Fenders are another winter necessity. There are a ton of styles to choose from including <a href="http://inhabitat.com/schwinns-organic-flax-vestige-bicycle-will-be-available-at-the-end-of-july/" target="_blank">bamboo</a>, hammered steel, carbon fiber and plastic.

A pair of fenders will cost anywhere from $15 to $100, but if you're in a pinch, here's a simple DIY solution: carve a gallon jug or two-liter plastic bottle in half and secure it to the bicycle frame with duct tape or <a href="http://inhabitat.com/make-snow-tires-for-your-bike-with-zip-ties/" target="_blank">zip ties</a>.

Adverse weather conditions impair visibility and stopping time for cyclists and drivers alike, but only cyclists feel the chill of the elements. Opt for a moisture-wicking base layer of <strong>silk, wool or polyester base layer</strong>. Don't wear cotton.

"I like riding in the rain. If you're well prepared, if have rain gear and you have <strong>fenders</strong>, it's really not that bad" says Steve, owner of <a href="http://www.pedalrevolution.org/social_mission/" target="_blank">Pedal Revolution</a>.

<strong><em>Thanks to </em>Pedal Revolution</strong>, a nonprofit bike shop with an inspiring <a href="http://www.pedalrevolution.org/social_mission/" target="_blank">social mission</a>. Pedal Revolution's unique business model allows the workshop to hire 15 at risk youth every year. These teenagers are taught basic job skills and trained in the art of bicycle maintenance.