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Bike Winter#

Brighten the Night FREE Bike Light & Light Bulb Giveaway#

A night sky with the stars forming a light bulb and a bicycle, with the words Brighten the Night

The time change is happening soon, and the days are getting shorter. Now is a great time to make sure you're visible while riding during low light times. People riding bikes are required by law to have a white front light and red rear reflector - a red rear light is even better! 

Wednesday, November 1, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., FC Moves will be handing free bike light sets, and reflective shoelaces and zipper pulls. New for this year, Fort Collins Utilities will also be on hand giving out free LED lightbulbs and talking about affordability programs and making your home more efficient!  

There are two locations to choose from: 

  • Lee Martinez Park: in the parking lot
  • Walk and Wheel Skills Hub: 1600 W Drake Rd., accessible via the Spring Creek Trail and Drake Rd. 

Stop by anytime during the event! We'll be out as long as supplies last.

Tips for Icy Cycling#

A cyclist rides with a smile on their face, with snow on the ground and a gray sky.

Winter Bike to Work Day is a great reason to ride a bike in colder weather. One of the main challenges of winter riding is icy conditions. Luckily in Fort Collins, ice and snow don't usually stick around for more than a few days. Still, ice can appear without warning, so here are a few tips to learn before you head out for all season cycling.

  • Pick your route carefully as some neighborhood streets are still impacted by the last storm. Consider a route the City’s Streets Department prioritizes for snow removal. These streets will be the most snow free – find more information on how the City prioritizes snow removal and a map at  https://www.fcgov.com/streets/snow-ice. Multi-use trails can be a great option, too! Trails are cleared by our Parks Department simultaneously while our Streets Department clears streets. That means trails can be a better option than streets, especially soon after a storm hits the area. 
  • Go around icy patches if you have time and it’s safe to do so. If you can't avoid the ice, don't make any sudden moves – downshift, go slowly, and ride it out in a straight line. If you are uncomfortable at any time, remember you can walk your bike on the sidewalk to get around difficult areas.
  • Wider tires are better – more surface area gives you better traction. You can do this by decreasing the pressure in your tires, but be sure to not let too much air out. Find the lowest pressure recommended by the manufacturer listed on the side of your tire.
  • Give yourself extra time so you aren’t stressed and in a hurry when dealing with winter conditions.
  • Some bike facilities may be icy, so you can take the lane to avoid icy bike lanes, just like you would to avoid gravel or other hazards in the road. 
  • Want to learn more? Sign-up for the City’s Cycling in Winter Course
  • Come across an area needing more attention? If you come across an area on the street or trails that needs extra attention after an initial clearing, you can report issues to Access Fort Collins. 

Winter Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day Feb. 9, 2024#

Winter Bike to Work Day

The 17th annual Winter Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day will be held Friday, February 9, 2024 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

In 2024, we expect to see more than 2,500 people hop on two wheels to ride to work, school, or anywhere! Cyclists, walkers, etc can stop at free breakfast stations where your business or organization provides breakfast, camaraderie, fun, and more.

We're aligning our event to the International Winter Bike to Work Day event. Check the site often for updates. We'll ask Fort Collins participants to register or pledge to ride using the International site. Otherwise, the event will feel like it usually does: a fun morning with free breakfast, hot coffee, and bicyclists on every corner.

If your business or organization would like to host a free breakfast station, visit our Bike to Work Day page

Winter BT(W)D Closing Ceremonies#

Closing Ceremonies

Our Winter Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day closing ceremonies will be at Olive St between College and Mason following Winter BT(W)D from 9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

More details to come!

Classes

No upcoming classes, check back soon.



Winter Cycling Resources#

Check out the resources below for more helpful tips and tricks to make your winter riding experience more comfortable and fun.

Can’t squeeze an in-person class into your schedule? Check out our Winter Bicycling 101 video and en Español

Prepare This Winter For Bike Spring#

Winter blues got you down? Visit Bike Spring for classes and events to help you welcome warmer weather. Brush up on your bicycling safety skills, find a class to get the whole family rolling into spring, and join us for special events all season long!

Contact Us#

For businesses interested in hosting a Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day breakfast station in the future, please subscribe to our business email list (form at the top right of this page).

For more information on Winter Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day, please contact AnnMarie Kirkpatrick at akirkpatrick@fcgov.com or at 970-416-4384.

For more information on bicycling class offerings, contact Lauren Nagle at lnagle@fcgov.com