Winter Biking

Keep your body warm and dry while biking.

Don’t overdress. Do wear layers. Biking will make you warm, so wearing a few mid-weight layers will help you control your temperature throughout your trip.

Protect your head. A lot of body heat is lost through your head. Get a thin, but warm, hat that fits under your helmet.

Protect your extremities. Gloves, a scarf or balaclava, and warm socks are essentials. Goggles or large glasses can help protect your eyes from cold wind.

Stay hydrated. Even in the winter, light exercise can lead to dehydration. Bring a water bottle or thermos so you can hydrate during your trip.

Some days, you may need a little more preparation for rain, cold, or snow.

riding safely and cautiously

• Ride slowly at a pace that you are comfortable with. If you haven't biked during the winter before, practice with short trips on less-trafficked residential streets or on paths.
• If the temperature falls below 32 degrees, thin layers of water can quickly freeze and become black ice. Watch out for shiny patches on the road.
• Check your brakes. Snow can accumulate on your wheels and prevent your brakes from working properly.
• Slushy snow won't have great traction. Proceed with caution.
• Do your best to avoid metal plates, grates, and trolley tracks. They are extra slippery when wet.
• Make sure your lights are working. Cold weather can cause your batteries to drain faster. Take your lights with you once you’re done riding. Bring extra batteries in case your lights die during a trip.

Salt and precipitation can create hardier conditions for your bike. With a few simple, good practices, you'll be able to keep your bike running smoothly all winter long.

Winter biking maintenance

• Always test brakes before you start riding, especially if you’ve left your bike outside.
• Check your tire pressure before you head out.  Drastic changes in temperature can cause air to leak from your tires. Squeeze your tires to make sure they're firm. If they're not, use a pump to add some air. Properly inflated tires make for a safe and comfortable ride.
• Clean your chain and apply bike lube more regularly. Try switching to wet lube, which is water-resistant and better for winter riding.
• Carry around a rag to wipe salt and moisture off your wheels, chain, and gears after every ride.
• Consider investing in fenders. They will help keep you clean.
• Most bikes are fine for biking year-round, but some people feel more confident switching to a hybrid, mountain, gravel, or a less maintenance-heavy bike during the winter.
• You can switch to wider, more textured tires for winter. These will give you more grip on slippery surfaces. Look for tires made for hybrid and mountain bikes or get studded tires.
• Leave the maintenance to us, and ride Bluebikes!

Here's how Bostonians have found the joy in winter biking:

motivation tips

• Go on a bike ride at a temperature your body feels comfortable with. Next time, challenge yourself to bike on a day that is a few degrees colder!
• Plan a ride with family and friends on a sunny day on the Harborwalk, the Southwest Corridor in Jamaica Plain and Roxbury, the Neponset Greenway in Mattapan and Dorchester, the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway in East Boston, or along the Charles River.

Develop a winter biking ritual

• Treat yourself to a warm beverage after your ride.
• Combine bike, bus, and train rides to explore new places.
• Plan a ride to view holiday lights during the holiday season.

Winter biking motivation tip: It doesn’t need to be something you do everyday, but biking during the winter can be a joyful, beautiful, way to embrace the city, especially on a sunny day.  You can test out your comfort levels at different temperatures bit by bit.