We all get caught in challenging weather at some point. Aside from having the proper clothing and safety gear, there are some challenging weather situations that you should be aware of:
- Some weather conditions make it more difficult for other road users to see you. Use front and rear lights and wear high-visibility, reflective clothing to improve your visibility.
- Wet weather reduces your tires’ traction with the road. Be extra careful, especially when making turns.
- Wet weather, ice, and snow affect your stopping distance. Lightly apply your brakes to wipe moisture off your rims before applying them fully.
- Roadways are slickest when it first starts to rain because of the oil dropped from cars mixing with the rain.
- Snow and ice create traction problems. Reducing tire pressure helps surface contact. Knobby mountain bike or studded tires are best for winter riding.
- Be extra cautious when riding in the rain or snow, especially when riding up or down steep hills.
- Bridges, painted surfaces, utility covers, and other metal in the roadway and trail are slippery when wet.