Host: Winter, it is the worst. No one wants to be out in it especially not cyclists.
Host: During the winter season, bike lanes like these basically become holding spots for cabs-
Host: ...let me rephrase.
Host: Despite our winter weather, every city retains some of its cyclists during the winter. But why is that?
Host: We all know winter is horrible. It's dark, it's cold, it's icy, it's dangerous. So why would you expose yourself to that on a bike?
Interviewee: So I cycle in the winter because it's still the fastest way to get around.
Interviewee: I like winter cycling because it is a really easy way to get around.
Interviewee: I love cycling in the wintertime because it keeps me active,...
Interviewee: ...it's easy, accessible...
Interviewee: ...it's just a convenient way to get around.
Interviewee: The bike racks are always empty in the winter. You can always find a spot to put your bike.
Interviewee: Cars and the city is normally pretty good, when you're going around, at giving you some extra space
Interviewee: They kind of give you some leeway, and they take care of you in the winter. Because they know that you're out there, and it's not the most pleasant thing.
Interviewee: But they're willing to help. We all pull together here, and it makes it actually quite an enjoyable thing.
Narrator: Okay, I admit it isn’t all bad. Looking at this scene, it doesn’t look dangerous. In fact, it’s kinda...nice.
Narrator: But obviously that can’t be the case. I mean those icy streets are definitely unsafe. You are far better off walking...
Narrator: Oh...um...bussing...?
Narrator: Never mind. Driving. Drivers are always going on about how much...
Narrator: Okay fine, I'll take the ferry...oh come on!
Narrator: Winter streets can be difficult for all modes of transportation. But that doesn’t have to stop you from cycling.
Narrator: Winters in Canada can be challenging, but gosh "dam" it, we're Canadian, we live for this!
Host: Winter cycling is a great way to get around the city, and it's perfectly safe as long as you remember four things:
the weather, your experience level, your bike, and of course appropriate clothing.
Host: Really? It’s like -15 out...
Narrator: Like any winter travel mode, you need to consider the weather.
Narrator: Winter cycling is not a time to prove how tough you are. Just like any vehicle, you should avoid being on the road if visibility is poor or if the roads are not safe.
Narrator: Look out for slush patches that could catch your wheels and of course, the dreaded black ice!
Narrator: Part of being safe is knowing your limits. Decide what your comfort level is and in case of bad weather have a back-up plan for how you're going to get to your destination.
Narrator: If you’re trying winter cycling for the first time, start slowly and build up your confidence.
Narrator: Start on nicer days and try to stick to roads that are going to be less stressful such as calm, well-plowed streets
Host: Preparing your two-wheeled vehicles for winter is a must! The things you need to consider are your bike type, winter accessories, and your winter maintenance.
Interviewee: This is an example of a winter bike.
Interviewee: If you have a nice bike you enjoy riding in the summer, you may not want to ruin it with the salt and cold weather.
Interviewee: This is a bike that's really cheap and it's cheap to maintain it. There's not much going on. It's got fenders...
Interviewee: If you don't have fenders, you're gonna want them in the winter. Tire selection...figure out some kind of tires with a little bit of tread
Interviewee: The only thing that typically needs replacing in the winter would be some cables; they get rusty.
Interviewee: The other big thing for me is...cleaning my brake surfaces.
Interviewee: Your brakes are well tuned up and snappy, because it might feel snappy now, but in the winter conditions, they're gonna not be so hot.
Interviewee: Maybe bring your bike into a shop and get it checked out. See if there are any mechanical recommendations...that could optimize your ride.
Interviewee: Keeping your chain really well-oiled, because it doesn't take very many salty, stormy, rainy Halifax days for that chain to get a bit on the rusty side.
Interviewee: Simplicity is helpful with winter bikes. The less things that are there to get rusty and go wrong, the better!
Host: So that’s how to prepare your bike for winter travel, but how do you prepare yourself? Here are some winter cycling must-haves.
Narrator: First of all, your head. Hats are a must for keep you head warm underneath your helmet, but be sure to readjust for a proper fit.
Narrator: Neck gaiters or scarves can double up to protect your lower face in winds.
Narrator: Probably the most important accessory is gloves. You’ll need warm, waterproof gloves that you can still operate your brakes with.
Narrator: If your hands get too cold they can’t react as fast, which means you can’t brake as fast, which is a major safety hazard when cycling. If you can’t feel your hands, it's time to get off the road.
Narrator: Just like cycling in the summer, shoes should have good grips on the bottoms. You don’t want to lose your footing the first time you hit ice.
Narrator: Try wearing easy to remove layers, that way, if you over-prepared you can stop and make a quick wardrobe change to keep you riding comfortably.
Host: So if you want to continue cycling into the winter, just remember these tips and keep on riding, even after the snow comes.
Host: You don’t have to give cycling up if you don’t want to. Yes, winter cycling can be scary, but so can just about anything in winter if you don't prepare for it.
Host: Now, however you get around, just remember that winter cyclists do exist. So be sure to share the road and respect their pathways...even if the snowplows don’t...
Host: ...but that’s a video for another day.