Bike Winter - Fort Collins

Ten Important Winter Riding Tips:

Be careful of low angle sun during winter as cars may not be able to see you.
Wear bright, visible clothing
When riding at night, ride with front and rear lights.
Always wear your helmet. You may need to change the sizing pads in your helmet or remove them entirely to fit your winter headgear. Some hats are made specifically to fit under helmets. Try taping over the vents in your helmet if your head gets too cold.
Take extreme caution of slick train tracks during wet, winter weather. Slow your speed and cross at a 90 degree angle (straight across).
Wide tires with widely separated knobs work best on snow. Studded tires improve traction on ice. Use low pressure: start with 15-20 psi and experiment for yourself.
Try to pedal smoothly and relax your upper body, especially on ice and soft snow. When the bike starts going sideways, make small corrections rather than over steering and weaving down the road.
Cycling generates a lot of heat so clothes that are warm and comfortable have to control the buildup of heat and moisture as well as insulate and protect from wind.
If you're riding in a headwind or falling snow you'll find eye protection very helpful.
Store your bicycle indoors to protect it from the elements. Plus, you'll find that a warm saddle is more enjoyable to ride in the morning.

Help keep our City's bike lanes and trails clear of snow, ice, and debris by reporting bike hazards online or calling (970) 221-6614.

The Streets Department has created a bike route snow removal map for bicyclists. Plan your snow day route accordingly: fcgov.com/bicycling/snowroutes