Winter Cycling

November 16, 2017, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Cold weather cycling is becoming more and more popular in Ontario. This extends from people doing it recreationally to people commuting regularly in cities. Winter cycling however, is not without unique risks to the cyclist. The roads can be snowy, icy, wet and slippery. Wind gusts can blow cyclists off path. Enthusiasts though love it.

The most important thing to consider is to be extremely cautious and aware of your surroundings since roadways are often narrowed due to snow and slush. The choice of bicycle and tires is important. Winter bikers advise you use a basic cheap bike since the snow and salt are very hard on the parts. The more features you have the more things can freeze up on you.

Depending on where you ride, you may wish to consider fatter more knobbly treaded tires, or even tires with studs on them. The studs help you grip on ice and snow. Experts advise you get a more heavily studded tire on the front wheel to allow for better control and stability while riding. They will be more difficult to ride (greater resistance) and louder though.

In terms of the bike you should make sure you have

1. Really good front and rear lights (it’s dark for a good part of the day)
2. Good soft rubber tires (with studs or very knobbly tread)
3. Lubricate your bike well with a wet-weather lubricant
4. Get a loud bell

You should dress warmly in layers and wear a helmet designed to have a toque under it. Consider boot wrappers and pogies (wraps around your handle bar and hands) to keep you warm. Know your path to work well. Some municipalities clear bike paths and lanes while others don’t. Some narrow streets become even narrower when snow covered and are even more dangerous for cyclists.  Remember that your stopping distances are greater, and that you will slide around. Account for the cars around you to do the same.

If you are in an accident involving a vehicle, remember, you are likely insured whether the car stops or not. If you are hurt call 911, seek medical care and advise either the insurance company of the car that hit you, or your own car insurance company. Call a personal injury lawyer with experience in cyclist claims to make sure you get the benefits you need in the event of an accident.

If you are going to ride in the winter, do it safely and enjoy it!

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.