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Winter bicycle riding - Feel cozy on a bike in any weather

We are HUB . We make cycling better through advocacy, education and celebration. More cycling means healthier, happier, more connected communities. We're leading the way in making cycling an attractive choice for everyone. Each month V.I.A.

We are HUB. We make cycling better through advocacy, education and celebration.  More cycling means healthier, happier, more connected communities. We're leading the way in making cycling an attractive choice for everyone. Each month V.I.A. provides a platform for us to bring you something awesome involving cycling in the city!

Words by Erin O'Melinn

T'is the season... to cycle!  It may not be top of mind to hop on your bike to do your holiday shopping or to get to work on those brisk, bright winter days, but it's not only do-able, it's downright enjoyable.

HUB's winter Bike to Work Week at the beginning of November drew out thousands riding to work in chilly weather, and workplace cycling workshops continue to be booked. The courses have been running in workplaces around the region for a few years now, to high praise from participants: "The knowledgeable instructors received rave reviews from cyclists of all levels", Jennifer Aldcroft from the Vancouver Airport Authority said. "These courses provided our newer cyclists enough confidence to give cycling a try. I would highly recommend that other workplaces host these courses.” Book one for our workplace now!


There are lots of ways to bike without a big investment in new things. To give you a hint at what you can easily do to feel cozy on a bike in any winter weather, here are a few tips:
Keep your hands covered. As you speed along on your bicycle, you'll want some solace from the chill, so on a dry day, wool mittens are a favourite of mine. When they get wet, a pair of snowboarding gloves are my top pick.
Be ready for rain. Vancouver is Awesome. And it is wet on a number of days of the year. So have your rain jacket handy and flip the hood up to keep your hair dry and styled. Rain paints can double up for biking, camping , snowshoeing. and walking around in downpours. I recommend every Vancouverite have a pair. You can slide plastic bags over your socks and under your shoes to create a waterproof barrier. Then bring your dry shoes with you in another plastic-lined bag.
Get lit. With lights at the front and back (and even side of your bike), you'll stay well seen in low light winter conditions.
Stop the spray. Give yourself the gift of fenders and you'll feel like the luckiest kid on the block every time you ride through puddles.

Keen to see more cycling facilities around town or in your workplace or kids' schools?  That's what HUB does - makes better biking for everyone. If you're interested in giving your time or support, you can volunteer, become a HUB member or give a charitable donation. 2012 has been a huge year for cycling in Vancouver and we're celebrating in December. All HUB members are invited to the Holiday Party Dec. 19th. Sign up and receive your invite today.