Biking in Winter – good for your health and environment, too

Don’t put away that bike. Even though it’s winter in Toronto, you can still use your bike during the season. In fact, an increasing number of people are commuting to work even during the coldest days of the year.

Biking in winter can be quite enjoyable as long as you dress for the occasion. If you dress in layers, wear the proper clothing and use clothes that bock the wind, you will find that your bike is not only effective in helping you get around, but that it’s actually quite enjoyable.

Some other tips for riding in winter – give yourself extra time to get to your destination, cycle more slowly in snowy conditions, use fenders to stay dry and use lights on your bike to stay visible.

It’s also helpful to take curves at a slower pace and avoid leaning on you bicycle. It’s important to keep the bike perpendicular for maximum traction.

Biking in the winter also provides benefits to both you and your community. It helps reduce traffic congestion and doesn’t contribute to climate change. In addition to being good for the environment, it’s great for your health, too.

To make things easier for cyclists this year, the City is improving its service levels for cyclists. In addition to providing more attention to clearing snow from bike lanes, the City is also clearing sections of the Martin Goodman Trail – from Northern Dancer Boulevard to the lower part of Sherbourne Street and from Windermere Avenue to Stadium Road.

So, keep that bike handy – even in the winter. You’ll find that it’s a great way to get around, stay in shape and help the environment as well.