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> And clothing that solve the winter one. How exactly does that help you get grip on snow and ice? Combined with less light (harder to notice bikes) and genera

by Faark 7y ago

> And clothing that solve the winter one. How exactly does that help you get grip on snow and ice? Combined with less light (harder to notice bikes) and generally more rainy days, biking just isn't an all around the year thingy here in central Europe. I do try as much as possible, though. And Paris might not be as bad as well.

korethr 7y ago
Same solution that cars have for winter weather overwhelming the traction capability of their normal tires: tires intended for improved traction in snow and ice. Yes, carbide studded snow/ice tires for your bike will cost more than the normal tires, but the same applies for cars. Yes, you're still more liable to slipping and losing control if you move or turn too quickly, but the cars have the same problem. The solution is also the same: slow down a little, and be attentive for (potential) ice in your path. Less light in the winter can also be addressed: put lights and reflectors on your bike and/or on your person. One can get wind-breaking bike jackets in bright, high-visibility colors, and covered in plenty of reflective material. Wicking and warming layers can be worn underneath. A well-focused, reasonably-bright-for-your-circumstances light on the front makes it easier for you to see, and also be seen. A red light on the back also helps with being seen.
CydeWeys 7y ago
It flat out does not snow that much in Paris. I live in NYC which gets more snow and there's rarely a single day per year where it snows enough to make biking impractical. It just doesn't actually snow that much, and when it does, it's cleared quickly. On the very rare day where there's enough snow on the roads to make biking impossible, just don't bike on that day. Take the subway, or work from home, or whatever.
TulliusCicero 7y ago
I live in Munich. People bike here all year around.

by Faark 7y ago

korethr 7y ago

Same solution that cars have for winter weather overwhelming the traction capability of their normal tires: tires intended for improved traction in snow and ice. Yes, carbide studded snow/ice tires for your bike will cost more than the normal tires, but the same applies for cars. Yes, you're still more liable to slipping and losing control if you move or turn too quickly, but the cars have the same problem. The solution is also the same: slow down a little, and be attentive for (potential) ice in your path. Less light in the winter can also be addressed: put lights and reflectors on your bike and/or on your person. One can get wind-breaking bike jackets in bright, high-visibility colors, and covered in plenty of reflective material. Wicking and warming layers can be worn underneath. A well-focused, reasonably-bright-for-your-circumstances light on the front makes it easier for you to see, and also be seen. A red light on the back also helps with being seen.

CydeWeys 7y ago

It flat out does not snow that much in Paris. I live in NYC which gets more snow and there's rarely a single day per year where it snows enough to make biking impractical. It just doesn't actually snow that much, and when it does, it's cleared quickly. On the very rare day where there's enough snow on the roads to make biking impossible, just don't bike on that day. Take the subway, or work from home, or whatever.

TulliusCicero 7y ago

I live in Munich. People bike here all year around.