Safety Spotlight: Cycling in the Spring Rain
Are you a fair-weather rider? You don’t have to be. You may be missing out on some fun rides. Don’t let a light sprinkle keep you from spending time in the saddle! There’s clothing that will keep you dry in even the most inclement of weather. First, for a spring shower, you may only need a cycling rain jacket – because the temperature is warmer than in the autumn. If you discover that you like riding in the rain, you may want to consider eventually adding rain pants, waterproof shoe covers, and full-fingered waterproof cycling gloves.
Riding in a delicate drizzle is not all that different from riding in dry weather, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have the safest ride possible. Here are a few tips for cycling in the spring rain.
- Puddles: Don’t ride through puddles if you can help it. Sometimes it’s hard to see what’s in there. A big pothole with steep sides might be the cause of the puddle, potentially bending your rim and/or causing you to fall. There could also be rocks or slippery mud on the bottom. Avoid them if you can. ✎
- Slick spots on the roads: Then we have the railroad tracks, manhole covers, and gratings over drains. On any metal surface, even in dry weather, cross at an angle as close to 90° as possible. Don’t accelerate, brake, or turn. Go straight across (or as straight as possible) and stay vertical. This is doubly important if things are wet.
- Visibility: Be visible. The most important piece of gear you can have for riding in the rain is a good set of lights, specifically a headlight and a taillight; flashing ones are even better.
- Motorists’ blind spots: Rain obscures vision, so it’s best to assume motorists can’t see you. Ride defensively. Stay out of blind spots, and make eye contact with drivers whenever and wherever possible.
- Braking: Brake early. Give yourself twice as long to come to a stop as you normally would.
- Pace: Adjust your speed. Ride more slowly, especially when going downhill. Anticipate that you will not be able to brake as effectively and will need more time.
- Tire pressure: Member question sent in, “Should I change my tire pressure when it rains?” Not really, at least not road bikes on pavement. And a bit of tread can make a difference too. Gravel bikes and bikes with wider tires, however, can benefit from slightly lower pressure on soft surfaces such as dirt (which, since we are talking rain, means mud). Gravel bike tires usually carry slightly lower pressures anyway but can be lowered a bit more.
- Fenders: Another member question asked about the advisability of fenders. Fenders are not mandatory in the rain, but they can keep the bike (and the back of your jacket) a whole lot cleaner. A good front fender can go a long way toward keeping your feet drier. But riding without a rear fender when you are riding in a group is a breach of etiquette. Without that rear fender, it isn’t just your back that gets soaked and dirty. Riders behind you experience the consequences too. And even worse than no rear fender is one that is too short. It keeps you dry but sprays a rooster tail for the one behind you to ride in. So, try to get a full fender that comes down to no more than 8” above the road – lower if possible. Good quality rear fenders will have a rubber or plastic extension that covers the lower part of the rear wheel. Some creative people have taken a vertical slice of a plastic jar (an old water bottle works well) for this purpose. A pop rivet or even a zip tie can hold it in place.
Don’t wait for “good” weather to get out on your bicycle! In April 2024, it rained 19 days out of 30. The club had rides every day of the month – in fact, most days more than one ride was offered. There were 76 rides in total, and only 4 of those were canceled (may or may not have been due to weather). You can get so many rides in if you have the right gear and take precautions according to the forecast. What are you waiting for? The most difficult part of riding in the rain comes first: just deciding to do it. After that, get prepared, and come ride with PBC! It will give you the chance to continue to do what you love…despite the weather.
Dave McQuery, Membership Secretary, and Lynn Blanchard, Editor