Commentary
Don't see the appeal of biking in winter? Maybe you should try it
by Haddayr Copley-Woods
Haddayr Copley-Woods is communications director for a Minnesota nonprofit and a source in MPR News'
To bicycle on the glorious bike paths of Minneapolis in the spring, summer and fall can be the highlight of my day.
But in winter, it is nothing short of blissfully transcendent. I can't decide which is best: The crisp, clean air; the crackling sound of ice under tightly packed snow; the blue sky, framed by snow-covered branches. Or the fact that in winter, a handful of my fellow bicyclists and I have these stunning thruways entirely to ourselves. In the middle of a noisy city, we enjoy a profound and soul-reviving quiet.
Commuting by bicycle in winter, especially with studded tires and good gloves, should be an unmitigated joy.
But.
As much as I try to avoid riding on crowded motorways during an anxious and dangerous time, I still have to get to and from the Greenway. And deal with furious motorists in between — many of whom seem genuinely unaware of the rules of the road.
As a driver, I, too, can be frustrated or frightened when I encounter a bicyclist who breaks the law by ignoring traffic signs or riding without lights at night. But most bikers are doing their level best to stay safe and to share the road — and they often bear the brunt of motorists' rage.
For every bicyclist I've seen pull a hair-raising maneuver, I've seen even more motorists who are downright scary. They will ride angrily on our tails in the bike lane itself when traffic in the motor lanes is slow. I've had motorists physically threaten me with their multi-ton vehicles for riding my bicycle in a manner that is completely safe and legal.
I wish it didn't have to be so "us and them." I wish we could share the road calmly, without rancor. This is Minnesota! In the snow and ice, nobody is going to get anywhere fast. So let's slow down and take a deep breath.
I am not on the road to cause you trouble; my aim is to glory in the beauty of winter, the best way I know how. If you could give me some space, and maybe read up on the rules of the road, it would not only make me safer, but it could lower your blood pressure.
And maybe you could take a walk in my shoes for a bit. Consider taking your own bicycle out sometime this winter, to see how unspeakably delightful it really can be. I do enjoy how quiet bicycle paths can be in winter. But in exchange for a little more peace, love and understanding — I'd be more than willing to share.
Comments (11)
After listening to this pro bike, motorist condescending commentary I now understand the arrogant ridding I see by bicyclist everyday. For the most part riders choose to disobey traffic laws while motorist make mistakes when driving. No thanks on your invite to ride my bike on icy, snowy completely obliterated lane line roads.
Yeah, what he said.
Bike "ridding" people are the wurst.
Now, now. There's no call to make fun of the man's spelling . . . particularly when his grammar is a much easier target.
I'm afraid of falling so haven't ridden for the last week. But I'm missing that beauty, time to myself and endorphins. You've inspired me to get winter tires for my bike. Thanks!
Thanks for this celebration of winter biking. Everything she said is true, both the joys and the frustrations. Yes, I wish cyclists and motorists would ALL follow the rules. Maybe more bike cops on the streets in winter would help?
I think that motorists need to realize that for some people, bicycling is the only mode of transportation that people can afford. Please be understanding, share the road, and don't hate on bicyclists!
Many people having been driving bicycles in the winter for decades. In the 1930s Western Union would deliver telegrams by bike all through the year and use chains on their bicycle tires. We just need to accommodate the bicycle better for everyone. We should be building more bike-walk highways like the Midtown Greenway (not a "bike path"), more of a highway than many of the structures around here so-called. A highway is a public way freely open to everyone. As such a highway should provide full function for walk, bike and handicapped. Lets build more highways and places like the Midtown Greenway: full public ways for everyone to use.
Nice article! I originally thought that anyone that rode their bike in winter was nuts. Then I saw how a friend got studded tires and seemed to enjoy it. After getting used to "cold weather" riding I finally spent $100 an got my own studded tires and a day-glow jacket. Now I try to ride every day!
I think that the expression, "Try it! You'll like it!" fits winter riding perfectly.
Now I tell everyone, there is no such thing as a bad day for biking in Minnesota - there is only the wrong tires and clothing.
If motorists are dumbasses just flip them the bird. They will get the message.
There is nothing crazy about biking in the winter. I do so all the time, without studded tires on a 90's mountain bike. I follow all laws and bike cautiously.
People decide on notions and without any fact or consideration of the other side express them. Bikers pose little risk to traffic, and cars should not be in bike lanes. Sure bikes could slide out into traffic, but so could the car in front of you slide out.
Sure there are a few dumbass bikers as with anything else, but do not judge a community on a few people.
I encourage people to get out and ride, winter or otherwise. Biking is good exercise and takes a unique skill set. Why people give Tour De France winners respect, yet give amateurs none I have no clue. Aside from health, biking is very fun, whether you enjoy speed (I personally have passed cars off to the side in 45 mph zone) or the sights (I also frequent 20 mile rides).
I hope this will help critics to look at bikers in a new light. To many biking is a lifestyle, as art or racing or any passion is to others.
Finally I would like to give a few tips on winter riding. 1, keep the bike upright so as not to fall. 2, hold a low gear so as not to spin out on ice or lose momentum on snow. 3, 2o degree air does not feel good on your lungs when your breathing hard, wear something over your mouth or bike often to get used to this cold air. 4, maneuver smoothly. 5, be aware of cars.
I've been commuting to work by bicycle for a number of years and the winter offers some of the best rides. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets and the cool crisp air helps clear your mind. I've had some close calls with motorist because of their ignorance or lack of concern for others. But regardless I always follow the most important rule of cycling, the lug nut rule. Those with the most lug nuts win. Unfortunately some of the people with the most lug nuts were shored on brains.
Um, arrogant riding? Do you think people biking on roads are just doing so to piss you off?
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