Ottawa is facing a transit strike as early as wednesday, and one of the city’s suggestions for getting around mentioned is to cycle. The Sun spoke to CfSC Past-President (and CiO comments regular) Charles Akben-Marchand for tips on biking in the winter.
One of the tips given by the city to stranded bus riders is to try cycling.
Charles Akben-Marchand, past president of Citizens for Safe Cycling, said that while winter cycling might not be for everyone, it is certainly a viable option for those left without a ride.
ICY CONDITIONS
He suggests that bus riders who choose to take their bikes instead should keep in mind that the roads are icy and snow covered and that knobby tires are best suited for slippery situations.
Akben-Marchand said to try cycling on the route you are going to take to work on a day off so that you know how long it will take, keeping in mind it will be slow going for cyclists just starting out after retiring their bikes after the summer.
“It’s harder to adjust to starting cycling in the middle of the winter than if you were doing it every day,” said Akben-Marchand.
Now, I live and work downtown, so put my bike away in the winter, but am secretly envious of those that do continue to bike when the weather gets colder. In centretown, at the very least, the roads are kept clean enough that, except when it is actually snowing or freezing rain, conditions don’t seem that much different than in the rest of the year; on the other hand, I fear what the salt will do to my commutting bike (and have a hard time justifying a winter beater.)
More importantly, with the (temporary) closure of a bridge to Gatineau, traffic downtown was absolutely crazy last week- on Friday, Gladstone (see above) was bumper to bumper -something I haven’t seen in the four years I’ve lived here. Even side streets like Bay and Percy were much busier than usual. With a transit strike, things will only get worse. Conditions might be less than ideal, people will be frustrated, and probably (and sadly) unlikely to expect bicycles. So, do leave lots of time and be safe if you do bring out the bike.
I am a huge fan of biking, but I think it is just too hazardous in these conditions. A couple of times in the last few days, I have nearly seriously injured myself just walking around. My hard, flat hybrid tires would be like ice skates on these slick surfaces.
I really, really hope there is no transit strike. Walking across a bridge in the kind of cold winds we are experiencing would be rather unpleasant, plus it would require bringing a whole set of cold weather clothes to work.
Oddly enough I’ve started to ride to work again because the roads are clearer then the sidewalks, at least out here in Kanata. I wish I did have a winter beater cause I now whats going to happen to my bike If I ride the whole winter.
Some tips:
* Get studded tires from your bike shop or MEC to be more surefooted on
icy roads. They are available in both 26″ and 700c/27″ sizes.
* Don’t lean. Take turns & braking slow and easy and bolt upright.
* Keep face, hands, head and feet really warm. Use goggles, mufflers, ski
mitts, a ski helmet, and warm boots with wool socks.
* Use rain pants to keep your lower body warm and dry even if you’re
splashed with slush.
* Be very visible. Wear bright fluorescent/reflective gear like a
construction worker’s vest. Have bright lights with fresh batteries -
charge them every nite. One commute or the other will be in the dark.
* Dress in layers. When you start to get warm cycling, open your front for
ventilation.
The main roads will be generally be salted and cleared of snow first, making
much easier (and safer) cycling than residential streets with ruts. But if the
right lane is narrow, go down the middle of the lane rather than trying to
share the lane with trucks and cars.
For more information, see http://www.IceBike.org/Articles/Ottawa.htm
You may find yourself abandoning the bus forever when you start to bike.
No schedules, no waiting in the cold, good exercise, direct routes, no
transfers, door-to-door service – what’s not to like?