how to protect yourself from the cold when traveling by bike
The association Mieux se Déplacer à Bicyclette offers its advice to cyclists to face winter temperatures.
Winter is well and truly settled in Île-de-France. While the arrival of snow is expected overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, the Ile-de-France branch of Mieux se Déplacer à Bicyclette (MDB) offers ten tips for better coping with the cold by bike.
Layers of insulating clothing
The association has thus divided its advice to “ride warm, but without being too hot”. First, she recommends applying the “onion” principle, i.e. putting on layers of thin but insulating clothing, one of which could simply be removed after a few minutes ride.
Other advice: protect your hands, in the front line against the cold, but also your feet. Wearing two pairs of socks or even ski socks is recommended by the association.
Mandatory neck cover
The essential accessory, according to MDB, remains the neck warmer, widely acclaimed compared to scarves, since the latter can drag around the pedals and become dangerous. According to the association, neck warmers allow cyclists “to avoid getting cold in the throat because of the air that rushes in”.
Among his golden rules, MDB also reminds us of the need to drive with reflective lights when night falls very early, but also to be wary of icy conditions. Snow is also a false friend for cyclists, as bikes can get dirty more quickly and present risks of rust and clogging of the chain and bearings. To avoid the phenomenon, it is necessary to remember to clean it with water regularly.
Finally, for electric bike enthusiasts, the battery can discharge faster due to the cold. MDB then advises not to leave outside. And for long journeys, the association offers protective sleeves to maintain their full performance.