Thinking of hanging up your bike for the winter? The colder temperatures and darker days don’t have to be the end of your cycling season. With the right clothing and gear, cycling can be an enjoyable way of getting from point A to point B all year long.
Winter Bike Week 2025
For Winter Bike Week, the municipality is hosting events to prepare you for safe winter cycling. Join employees at the following pop-ups for tips, trip planning advice, bike maps and prize draws for winter gear.
- Studley Quad - Dalhousie University
6226 University Avenue, Halifax
Learn to Bike with the Dal Bike Centre
Monday, Feb. 3, 2025
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Sir Charles Tupper Building - Dalhousie University
5850 College Street, Halifax
E-bike testing with Next Ride
Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Bike Centre - Dalhousie University
6226 University Avenue, Halifax
Fat Tire Bike Ride
Date and Time: To be Determined - Emera Oval
5775 Cogswell Street, Halifax
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Scotia Square (near the food court)
5201 Duke Street, Halifax
Tuesday, Feb. 11 to Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Winter cycling tips
- when cycling in slippery conditions brake earlier, take turns more gently and stay alert
- give yourself extra time in the winter since it takes longer to cycle through the snow
- if the weather or road conditions feel unsafe for cycling, avoid travel or choose another form of transportation
- to make your ride more comfortable, plan your trip ahead of time based on the weather and road conditions. Check to see the services standards for how when streets on your route should be plowed. If there are hills on your route, look for a flatter route.
- know your other options to get around; if it is too cold or wet, consider taking transit or carpooling. What to wear while cycling in winter
What To Wear While Cycling In Winter
- Head, neck, and face
Hats and neck-warmers keep you warm by reducing your skin’s exposure to the cold and wind. Remember that wearing a hat may require you to adjust the fit of your helmet. Eye protection helps in the wind or snow.
- Hands
Make sure you can easily use your brakes and gearshift levers while wearing mitts or gloves. Test them before your ride. A popular option are pogies, a mitt that goes over your handlebars and lets you cycle with bare hands or light gloves.
- Torso
For outdoor activities, layering keeps you comfortable. Depending on the weather, you may opt for the following three layers:
- base layer: This layer sits close to your skin to insulate from the cold. Look for a base layer that traps the heat without trapping moisture. Choose wool or a water-wicking synthetic fabricmid layer: This is what you would likely wear in the winter when stepping out of the house. Think pants, long-sleeved shirts or sweaters to keep the heat in while you cycle
- outer layer: A waterproof jacket and/or waterproof pants will keep you dry if it rains or snows
Keep in mind that while cycling, your body generates heat. You may not need as many layers as you would when you are off your bike.
- Feet
Waterproof boots or shoes will keep your feet warm and dry. You can also add a layer of warm socks made of wool or a moisture-wicking synthetic fabric.
- Overall visibility
Shorter days mean you may sometimes ride in the dark. Wearing brightly-coloured or reflective outer layers helps others see you from a distance.
How To Ensure Your Bike Is Winter-Ready
- Lights
By law, you are required to have lights on your bicycle. They are crucial in the winter when you are more likely to ride in the dark. A white light in the front will help you see. A red light or reflector in the rear makes you more visible.
- Tires
A wider tire with a knobbier surface or treads will help in most winter conditions. The wider the tire, the more traction in snowy or icy conditions. Lowering the air pressure in your tires by a few psi also provides more traction.
- Fenders
In the winter, prepare your bike for snow, slush and salt. Install a good set of bike fenders can keep you and your bicycle clean
- Brakes
Disc or drum brakes are the top choice for riding in wet or snowy conditions. On icy roads do not use your front brakes.
- Pedals
Cyclists who wear bike shoes or clipless-pedals may switch to a regular pedals so they can wear winter boots.
Ongoing maintenance
The salt on the street is great at melting ice but it can also rust your bike. A good practice is to quickly rinse or wipe down your bike at the end of the day to remove dirt and salt. Just be sure your bike is dry in the morning, so it doesn't ice up on your ride.
- Get a bicycle specifically for winter riding
If you're concerned about the impact of ice, dirt and salt on your bicycle, consider getting a bike just for winter. Bike Again is a community space that sells used bicycles at more affordable prices.