Community Pulls Together to Encourage Year Round Cycling:

Bike Winter Fort Collins

The 2010 Bike Winter Fort Collins campaign begins the first week in December. Over fifty, local business sponsors have joined the City’s effort to promote year round cycling in Fort Collins. Here’s the event line up for 2010:

~ Friday, December 3^rd - Light Up the Night – 6pm - 8pm at the Gallery Underground (First Friday Art Walk) Bring your old Knog lights for battery replacements and get new lights if you don’t already have a set. Ride with lights at night!

~ Sunday, December 5^th - Winter Cycling 101 – 2pm – 5pm at the Gardens on Spring Creek. This winter riding clinic includes information and tips on how to safely ride in traffic with snow and ice conditions. Learn also about proper clothing and equipment for winter weather riding. After the clinic, we'll enjoy hot chocolate under the dazzling lights at the Gardens on Spring Creek. RSVP at 224-6112 or FCBikes@fcgov.com

~ Wednesday, December 8^th – FC Bikes Lunch Talk – 12pm - 1pm at Home State Bank on Mountain Avenue. Join the City’s Bicycle Coordinator as we discuss and strategize future FC Bikes activities and bicycle priorities in Fort Collins. Contribute to the vision of FC Bikes!

~ Wednesday, December 15^th is the fourth annual Winter Bike to Work Day! – Includes 20 breakfast stations in Fort Collins and over fifty business sponsors. Check out the Winter Bike to Work Day map at http://fcgov.com/bicycling

Winter Riding Resources:

1) Check out priority snow removal routes for cyclists: http://fcgov.com/weknowsnow

2) Report hazards such as snow, ice, and debris in bike lanes and bike trails: http://fcgov.com/pothole

Top Ten Important Winter Cycling Tips:

Be careful of low angle sun during winter as cars may not be able to see you.
Wear bright, visible clothing and obey all road rules. Ride defensively at all times and do not assume that vehicles see you.
When riding at night, ride with front and rear lights.
Always wear your helmet. You may need to change the sizing pads in your helmet or remove them entirely to fit your winter headgear. Some hats are made specifically to fit under helmets. Try taping over the vents in your helmet if your head gets too cold.
Take extreme caution of slick train tracks during wet, winter weather. Slow your speed and cross at a 90 degree angle (straight across).
Wide tires with widely separated knobs work best on snow. Studded tires improve traction on ice. Use low pressure: start with 15-20 psi and experiment for yourself.
Try to pedal smoothly and relax your upper body, especially on ice and soft snow. When the bike starts going sideways, make small corrections rather than over steering and weaving down the road.
Cycling generates a lot of heat so clothes that are warm and comfortable have to control the buildup of heat and moisture as well as insulate and protect from wind. If you can dress properly to go ski, you can dress to Winter Bike!
If you're riding in a headwind or falling snow you'll find eye protection very helpful.
Store your bicycle indoors to protect it from the elements. Plus, you'll find that a warm saddle is more enjoyable to ride in the morning.