Cycling in winter: It’s exhilarating and empowering

By: Sam Hargreaves

Cycling in winter is only for hardcore, experienced cyclists, right?

Nope, it’s for anyone who wants to get where they are going instead of standing at the bus stop and  freezing. And we are going to share this experience with youth at schools this winter. Thanks to funding from Alberta Eco-Trust, Youth en Route is bringing Lunch and Learn sessions to schools and for those keen to experience it, we’ll bring bikes to go for a ride.

Experiencing the thrill

“We know that many youth have never ridden bikes, much less tried riding when temperatures dip below freezing and there’s snow on the ground. But winter doesn’t mean your bike goes into storage. With the proper equipment and clothing, cycling in winter provides all the same benefits as in fair weather: It’s freedom to get where you want to go. The bonus is that when you’re pedalling, you’re keeping warmer than just standing around.

“Just like our fall and spring programs, we give youth experience to help them determine if winter cycling is something they might want to consider,” says Laura Shutiak, Youth en Route’s executive director. “We know its not for everyone, but many people who try cycling in winter love it. Getting exercise outside in winter is really a breath of fresh, cool air – like rushing down a ski hill. “

Of course, it’s much easier to cycle in winter with advances in technology. Fat bikes with extra wide tires act like snowshoes to ride on top of the snow. But you don’t need to spend money on a new bike. Fenders and studded tires can winterize almost any bike. There are many options and price points for studs on tires. Some people even get the tools needed to add studs to any bike tire. And of course, when a Chinook blows in, many pathways and roads are bare and dry and easy to ride on.

Superhuman powers?

Youth en Route Cyclist in Residence is an all-season cyclist. She hasn’t owned a car for 10 years. Winter is her favourite time to ride.

“Winter cycling has a quiet magic all its own. Going out on your bike when the large fluffy flakes are falling all around you makes it seem like you are in your personal snow globe, brightening even the darkest winter night,” says Nelson. “You feel refreshed when completing your ride in a way summer wheeling can’t give, and when people know you have arrived by bike, they look at you like you’re a superhero (which you aren’t, but it’s our little secret that I share with everyone).”

Get a beanie-style tuque to go under your helmet, or choose to ride in a ski helmet with built-in warmth., a good set of gloves, and you’re good to go.

Starts with classroom learning

During our classroom sessions we will cover how to dress for winter riding, equipment needed for winter riding, and bike maintenance for riding in the winter. We’ll also share resources from The City of Calgary. Many bike bike routes are cleared after each snowfall. These provide the best options for safe winter riding, and there’s a handy map of snow clearing and other resources to help get you where you are going.

After that, we’ll take anyone interested on a short winter ride. We’ll have a fleet of 15 bikes with studded tires.

When we go outside on our bike rides we will show the students what to look out for when riding in winter conditions. How studded tires work and their benefit when riding on snow and ice. What riding cleared roads are like verses riding on uncleared roads. Managing risks that come with winter riding.

Winter equipment for all!

After our riding session, we’ll offer any youth keen to continue cycling all winter the option to get their own bike outfitted for winter. We’ll provide studded tires, rechargeable lights, fenders and warm gloves or pogies on a pay what you can basis. We know not all families can pay for these types of purchases, and with our Eco-Trust funds, we can help.

While we’d love to buy every kid a fat bike, we don’t have the funds for that. And really, a fat bike is for mountain biking in winter, not so much for commuting. But it is fun!

If you’re interested in getting our Winter Biking into your school, please reach out to Sam at info@youthenroiut