Picture this: it’s just after 5pm, and you’re bombing past a sea of red taillights as you cruise in the bike lane. Bike commuting is not only fun and good for the legs, but also often quicker than driving at rush hour. But it’s also not for the faint of heart, or the underdressed — the dark and the rain add an extra element of excitement to commuting. Here are some of our tips to get prepared for rainy season bike commuting.
- Know your route. Often, the best bike routes are not ones you’d know from car or bus travel, and Google Maps has led me astray too many times for me to trust it. Seattle’s Department of Transportation has a great bus map; you can also use apps like Strava or Ride with GPS to see “heat maps” of where cyclists typically ride.
- Safety first. If you’re feeling rusty, do some practice rides on protected bike paths like the Burke Gilman before hopping on the road. Cascade Bicycle Club offers adult classes on basic cycling techniques and urban cycling if you want to feel more confident in your bike skills.
- Gear up. Always, always, always protect that noggin by wearing a helmet. For visibility, make sure you have both a front light, and a rear reflector. (It’s the law!) Even better, upgrade that reflector to a rear light. Consider springing for some fenders for your tires, which will keep rain and road grime from splashing onto your back. If you aren’t sure what works with your bike, your local bike shop can help! You don’t necessarily need something fancy; for awhile I rode around with fenders zip-tied to my frame because it didn’t have the right attachments. Cheap ones are almost always available at Recycled Cycles.
- Dress for the weather. A solid raincoat and rain pants are a must. For cold days, try waterproof gloves — just make sure you can still operate the brakes and shifters with bulky fingers. Choose footwear that is at least water-resistant, and to be extra safe, it never hurts to bring an extra pair of socks with you in a waterproof bag. (I’ve found roll-top bags are great for keeping out unwanted moisture.)
- Maintain your bike. The wet can quickly strip your bike chain of lube, creating additional wear and tear on your drivetrain, so make sure you clean and lube your chain from time to time! (Not into bike maintenance? It’s easy to learn from YouTube, or your local bike shop would be happy to help.) Always check your brakes before hopping on the bike for a ride, and make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure — it’ll make your ride much more pleasant. (If you’re not sure what the right pressure is, most tires have that info written on the sidewall.)
- Have fun! Sometimes, no matter how much you’ve prepared, there’s no way to stay dry in a downpour, or a car will be a jerk to you for no reason. I try to savor the moments that feel good: a nod from a fellow cyclist, the breeze in my hair, hitting a string of green lights. Enjoy yourself, and ride safe!
