How Do You Deal With Weather Hazards When Bicycle Commuting?
Sharing the road with motorists isn’t the only danger you might encounter when riding your bicycle. Without the roof of a car, weather can play an equally hazardous role in your bike commute. Know that first rains bring all the oil on the road to the surface of the streets, making for a slick ride. Watch manhole covers and metal grating when it’s wet outside. They can become very slick and cause trouble. Watch out for big puddles – not only can the depth be misleading, but they may be hiding hazardous rocks. Save your tires, and avoid big puddles if you can. Gently touch your brakes in the rain to clear water from your brake pads. The water on the rims of your wheels prevents the friction you need for your brakes to work. Avoid breaking hard in rain at all costs. Ride low in moderate to heavy wind. This, in combination with tighter-fitting clothes, minimizes wind resistance and can make your ride easier. Give yourself longer stopping distances and keep a firmer grip on your handlebars
