Bikes: The New Winter Sled
BY MIRA MOLTHEN
Although winter weather does present its challenges, many people try to make the most of it. Wisconsin has a prime culture for winter sports, whether that be hockey, sledding, skiing, or even snowmobiling. These sports not only make the cold more manageable, but they also offer unique health benefits that are specific to winter:
Exposure to cold air supports our immune systems by stimulating white blood cell production.
Spending time outdoors can help mitigate seasonal depression (also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)), which is especially common in northern states, like Wisconsin.
Being outdoors in suboptimal weather conditions fosters creativity and resilience. This is an important skill for kids to learn, as they begin to make the most of a new environment.
Psychology researchers have also observed that being in nature, and particularly the snow, helps facilitate a positive body image, finding that “natural environments help to restrict negative appearance-related thoughts and shift attention away from an aesthetic view of the body and toward greater appreciation of the body’s functionality.”
Biking in the winter also offers an opportunity to gain these benefits. Integration of biking into daily routines, particularly as part of transportation and travel can carry over from the warmer months for those who are interested, with some adjustments.
Mary Pustejovski, an avid winter biker in Madison Wisconsin, sat down with us to talk about her personal experience of how she adapted to biking in the winter after moving from Austin, TX to Madison WI. She emphasized the benefits and joy and confidence she has built through cycling year-round.
“Being outside in the cold [is] sort of an antidote to the ‘Oh, it's still winter and miserable and cold’” feeling.
Mary loves biking because in the winter it helps her feel “energized,” and describes it as an “adventure” where you can learn and develop new skills in order to adapt to different types of weather. She also recalls a sense of wonderment at the scenery on the bike paths away from the road in the winter:
“I think that's what I love the most, is that it's just so beautiful. You're like, riding on this path, and the snow is on the sides, and light is sparkling off the the snow, and you're just like, Oh, I get to enjoy this beautiful thing”
Mary’s reflections highlight that while there are some unique safety hazards to biking in the winter, there are options to mitigate these risks, and potential for great joy and wonder from biking in winter as well.
Here are some tips on how to get started biking safely in the winter:
Wear Layers. Finding the right clothing helps one adjust to the temperature. Consider how you might feel at the beginning versus the end of your bike ride and plan accordingly. Keeping a log of clothing you wore at different temperatures and how you felt is an excellent idea. Some find handle bar mitts to be an excellent solution as they shield wind in a way that helps hands keep warm while biking.
Gain Traction. Consider investing in some winter tires, or pedals with spikes. Although no specific gear will guarantee no slipping in icy or wet conditions, winter tires reduce the risk of tire puncture. The physical gripiness of winter tires also changes how a bike will ride, slowing down turns and providing more safety. Pedals with spikes also provide that extra traction and grip for shoes or boots especially in wet conditions.
Take it Slow. Depending on where you live, you may be more or less at risk of being exposed to rapidly changing winter conditions. Biking at a manageable pace, starting with short trips, and on days and conditions where you are more comfortable allows you time to respond to other vehicles and pedestrians and can build your confidence and comfort with new and variable weather conditions.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself and have fun! Biking should be enjoyable and safe, so figure out what your routine looks like. Every time you can bike (or walk) outside whether in the winter, spring, summer, or fall, is a success for your health and a success for shifting our culture around transportation.
If you’re interested in biking more, in the winter or otherwise, but have limited infrastructure in your area, consider joining an organization to advocate for better bike routes!