Cycling Safely on Black Ice

Submitted by Pat McManus

Up until my retirement, I commuted to work by bike, and my most terrifying ride was done on black ice. I rode slowly, the tires adhered, and the brakes worked effectively until the first time I put my foot down for a stop sign. My foot went out from under me and I was down on the road, bruised but not seriously injured. I was able to finish the commute, but I have never approached intersections as carefully as I did on that day! I tried to avoid stopping again for the rest of the commute, which was mostly downhill. Click here for more tips on navigating black ice, and don’t forget to wear good grippers on your feet!