When I was growing up, bicycle
riding was strictly a fair-weather activity. As soon as the weather turned cool and the
snow began to fall, the bikes were stored in the garage, appearing again only after
the snow had disappeared in the spring. In southern Saskatchewan, where winter
began in late October and continued well into April, this meant bike riding
season lasted only six or seven months.
Fast forward a number of years: I
started working in downtown Edmonton. Parking was free at my workplace, so like
most commuters, I drove downtown every day. And every day, I saw people on
bikes. I was envious – they seemed to be having such a good time and were
getting some good exercise, while I sat behind the wheel, feeling the
middle-age spread gaining ground.
That winter was unusually mild,
so after a few weeks of wistfully watching other bicycle commuters, I decided
to give it a try. I didn’t buy any special clothing; I already had some water
resistant running pants and a warm jacket. At this point in my life I didn’t
even own a bike; the plan was to buy one in the spring. But in the backyard there
was an old knobby-tired mountain bike that the boys had rejected, so I pulled
that out, adjusted the saddle to a comfortable height, attached a couple of
lights and a front basket, pumped up the tires and hopped on.
Since that first winter commute in February, 2012, I haven’t looked back. I began by riding only on the “nice
days.” But my definition of a nice day has changed. Minus 30 now means I cover
my face with a balaclava, add another layer or two under my coat, and and stick some
hand warmers in the mittens.
Contrary to what you might think,
I am not some super-athlete or bad-ass biker girl type. I’m just an ordinary person
who has discovered what I believe is the best way to get to work – all year
round.
If you already commute to work by
bike during the warmer months -- or even if you don’t -- I heartily recommend you try winter bicycle commuting. Here’s why:
1) It is
cheaper than driving or taking transit
This is
especially true if you live close (5 km or less) to your destination. Starting
your car and driving such a short distance is possibly crazier than riding a
bike during the winter. Add in the cost of parking, and it can become outrageous.
Even taking transit is not cheap. And you have to stand around at bus stops,
feeling the biting wind and nippy air.
If you
already own a bike and mittens, a hat, boots and a coat, cycling to work is
free. Depending on your parking situation, you might have to buy a good-quality
lock. But you should have one anyway, unless you want to ensure that you won’t
have a bike the next time you want to ride.
2) It is more
fun than driving
Figuring out
the best route to take. Learning how to navigate a sketchy patch of road. Sailing
along a cleared shared-use pathway. Watching winter-white hares cross your
path. Taking in the Christmas lights on the houses as you ride by. The
challenges, thrills and quiet pleasures are yours for the taking.
3) You will
feel good about yourself (and your work)
You can’t
help but be encouraged and uplifted after your successful ride to work. And
there is nothing like doing something that many people consider daring or
extreme to make you feel brave and accomplished as well.
Even on the
coldest days, or days when the riding conditions are not ideal, the fact that
you persevered and made it will give you a boost. You will start the work day
feeling successful, strong and capable of anything.
And after
work, instead of a ride on a dreary bus or sitting in the car, creeping along,
you can repeat the adventure.
4) It’s good for your mental health
The
seemingly sunless days closing in on us can make us feel dark and down at
times. It’s no secret that many of us hate winter and simply try to survive it,
looking forward to the beach vacation and then spring. But recent research by University of Vermont psychology professor, Kelly Rohan, reveals that a more effective
and desirable way to combat the winter blues is to find winter activities that
you can enjoy and commit to doing them regularly.
Why not combine this with your need to get to work, riding your bike, instead of sitting in the car or on the bus, killing two birds
with one stone? It has worked for me!
5) It’s good for your physical health
It's no news that exercise is always good for you, but it seems that exercising outdoors in winter is even
better. According to Dr. Dean Kreillaars, University of Manitoba professor and exercise physiologist, “winter’s varied surfaces, extra clothing
and temperature all play a role in challenging people’s bodies in ways unique
to the season.” The
result is that we expend more energy in winter than we would in warmer weather
to do the same work.
Incidentally, Kreillaars echoes Rohan’s discovery about the mental health
benefits, saying, “When people get outside we know their mood tends to be
better.”
Cycling is obviously not the only way to get outdoor exercise in the
winter, or even the first thing that comes to mind when we consider winter
activities. But you have to go to work, or to school, or wherever you go every
day anyway, right? Why not do it on your bike and add that bit of extra,
ramped-up winter exercise to your daily routine?
Of course, I know winter cycling might not be for everybody.
But almost
everyone enjoys riding a bike.
Almost everyone has to go somewhere, at some
time. Even in the winter.
In the words of the old adage,
“Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.”
I
have a feeling that once you’ve tried it, you won’t knock it!