Do you cycle when it's snowy/icy?

[Gastropod]

Not a cyclist bashing thread, I am one and I usually cycle everywhere!

But I never cycle on snow/ice. I'm just too scared that I'll skid and fall - I find it terrifying.

Where I live there is quite a bit of snow at the moment: although main roads are mostly clear, the side roads and cycle paths/lanes are definitely snowy with patches of ice. And yet I saw dozens of cyclists this morning, all merrily pedalling along as though it were the middle of summer, some with kids on the back, etc.

If you do cycle in snow/ice can you tell me whether you consider it safe, and what you do to make sure you don't skid or fall? I'd like to be brave enough to try, but not if it's dangerous!

YABU: Cycling on snow/ice is fine if you're careful
YANBU: Cycling on snow/ice is dangerous and I'd never do it

Nope, I did for years in London without even thinking about it - until i skidded on some ice and broke my shoulder.
However, because it is so dry here there isnt really much ice - I draw the line at -5 though, far too cold!!!

I spent about 5 years cycling into London 10 miles each way, did it on ice once, skidded on the final corner when I thought I was home and dry. Not badly hurt but decided the train was ok on those days.

No, not only might I skid but a car could skid into me. Not worth it.

No. Just too dangerous. You can fall off and under the tyres of a car in an instant, and it would be so quick they’ll be nothing either of you could do to prevent it.

Used to cycle to work year round when I lived in Sweden. Just need proper spiky ice tyres.

Absolutely not.

I try and avoid it but have done it and my husband does it without concern. I aim for main roads and don't hug the kerb where it tends to be icy. I also get off and walk if I think it looks bad. Slower than usual but still faster than driving.

No, and I really miss it. I can cycle to work in twenty minutes, but at the moment it's taking me an hour on public transport. Just not risking it though. 🥶❄️

Not in anything under 5 degrees. Not worth the risk! (Or frostbite 😝)

If that's your only form of transport for work then you have to get on and go, being as careful as possible.

If you've got other options, you'd likely take them instead in this weather.

I don't anymore, after a bad fall a few years ago, but you can get winter tyres for bikes which helps a lot. Wide tyres also don't slip so easy.
My teenager is determined to bike all winter this year because she doesn't want to walk.

It really depends on the roads. If I know the route, and i know there's not much room for standing water that will freeze, then yes absolutely.
If, my route takes me on potholes roads, or its been raining the day before, not a chance.
Your tyres are also a big part of the issue here too. Skinny road tyres nope, mtb tyres with low pressure are much better. You can even buy winter tyres that have studs built in and I know some have already switched over to them.

No it’s insanity. DH is an obsessive cyclist he never goes out if a hint of ice. That’s what turbos are for.

No,back in the 1970s I was cycling to work,black ice, course I couldn't see it. Applied the brakes, crashed down on my right knee. Luckily,it was the hospital where I was nursing,so x rayed,no fractures, but years and years of pain.

Not any more...

I've had two falls from my bike in icy conditions, the first time I just bashed my knee and was shaken up, the second time I had a mild concussion (and yes, I was wearing a helmet). Just not worth the risk. It is such a pita having to get the bus instead tho, takes so much longer!

I’ve sent both my kids out to school on their bikes. It’s better they get to school than not. I’ve advised routes that are less icy and usual safety advice and helmets.

I don’t because I don’t have winter tyres and because my council doesn’t grit cycle routes. But other people do where I live (as they have winter tyres) and there are places like Finland where it’s normal because they treat the routes.

I think there’s a wider question here that gets overlooked here, which is how we deal with snow & ice re travelling. My council’s gritting policy is focused on drivers yet over a third of households have no access to the car. How are they meant to travel? Some can get the public transport, but the routes don’t cover all directions where people need to travel so if you are travelling in those directions, it’s too far to walk & you don’t have a car cycling is your only option. I haven’t heard my council requesting employers to make it easier for their employees by allowing people to work from home if they can to due to the lack of gritting. Then there’s the expense to the NHS of having to deal with falls due to poor gritting.

Yes - for work. I live on the south coast, though, so very rarely are there snowy days. Roads are mostly icy at the moment.

The hardest part for me is that my hands get very cold. I have Raynauds and even wearing 2 pairs of gloves is not enough.

Cannot believe you sent your kids off on bikes this morning. Sorry am judging hard. You don’t cycle in ice and snow. A friend (slow sensible commuter cyclist) has basically trashed her shoulder for life doing this.

@OvernightBloats have you tried the heated gloves? It might help a little.

No, I haven't. Thanks - I will look into getting some as soon as possible!

You have to perform the exact same risk assessment as you do when deciding whether to go out in the car and, as with a car, winter tyres make a huge difference.

Oulu in Finland is famous for its winter cycling - the bike paths are a priority for the snowploughs and kids bike to school all through winter

I'm Dutch and we cycle in all weathers. I've been out today in my ski goggles, actually to pick my bike up from the garage for tomorrow. I have jumbo tyres and a step through frame so I can jump off if it gets hairy. I do walk the most icy bits though the main trick is to follow someone else and to get off if they skid too much.

Yes, but I cycle in the countryside, with very little traffic. Used to commute-cycle, but not when it was icy.