Gear-up & Giddy-Up for Winter Riding with bit of support from the Bike Librarian Stay Cozy Mentors!

Our goal: to empower 10 new riders to bike through the winter!

Share you cozy winter bike photo #staycozywinterbiking

Bike Librarian Encouragement in the form of:

• Mentorship from humans who ride
  
• Snacks
• Help installing fenders, racks, and bags
• Cold weather gear
• Gear exchange
• Individualized resources to help you get out, and stay cozy!

MEET OUR MEGA COZY MENTORS

---

SUGGESTED  GEAR FOR COMFORTABLE COLD WEATHER:

1. Warm gloves or mittens applicable to temperature riding (Preferably windproof)
   
2. Warm wind resistant coat and pants (Snow Suit will work if you can move freely and keep it clear of the chain)
   
3. Winter helmet or wind resistant hat to wear under a typical bike helmet.
   
4. Warm boots or shoes.
   
5. Warm socks.
   
6. Wind resistant scarf, neck gaiter or balaclava. 
   
7. Warm long underwear or base layer undergarments.
   
8. Pannier or backpack to carry work clothes.
   
9. Eye protection (Glasses, sunglasses, ski goggles)
   
10. Freshly charged headlight and tail light. (Drivers may have a harder time seeing you through frosted windshields or may not be looking for you.)
    
11. Adequate bike lock. Sometimes normal bike racks will be unavailable because of plowed snow. Will your lock work with a tree or other large object?​
    

BENEFITS OF WINTER RIDING:

Mood booster
Environmental
Grit
​Getting outside in COVID in the winter

Bike Librarians will help you do these things! You're gonna be a beast!

​

---

BUDGET PERMITTING:

1. Pogies (Bar Mitts) to cover handlebars and hands.
2. Metal Spiked Tires for gripping ice.
3. Water resistant Panniers
4. Ski goggles are very helpful, especially when temperatures go below 20 degrees.
5. Thermos (Regular water bottles will become extremely cold or freeze. A thermos will keep room temp or warmed water for rehydrating without shocking your system. Also good for warming beverages to help mood such as tea, coffee, apple cider, etc.)
6. Shoe covers
7. Ventable coat and pants.
8. Warm wool or polypro layers, top and bottom.

THINGS TO CONSIDER IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:

1. Can I comfortably walk in the cold if my bike breaks down?
   
2. Are there places along my commuting route where I could get out of the cold to fix a flat tire?
   
3. Do I have alternatives if my bike breaks? Ie, bus for you and bike, friend to pick up, cab, etc.
   
4. Is your bike in good repair, properly tuned up? Winter commuting can be harder on bikes.
   
5. Is there a friend who would ride with me, especially on days I don’t want to ride?