Stay Cozy Winter Biking

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

December - January
Our goal: to empower 10 new riders to bike through the winter who have never done it before!

DONATE WINTER BIKING GEAR!
If you are a winter cyclist or simply have extra gear, please consider donating the following items:

Bar Mitts/pogies
Studded or knobby tires
Windproof jackets or pants
Hats for under helmets
Neck Gaiters or Balaclavas
Insulated water bottle or thermos
Gloves for biking
Overshoes or neoprene shoe covers
Platform MTB pedals
Winter helmets
Lights
Fenders
stuff you love using for winter biking around town, but you've upgraded, so now it needs to be handed-down.

SUGGESTED GEAR FOR COMFORTABLE COLD WEATHER. Don't have it? We'll help you get it.

Warm gloves or mittens applicable to temperature riding (Preferably windproof)
Warm wind resistant coat and pants (Snow Suit will work if you can move freely and keep it clear of the chain)
Winter helmet or wind resistant hat to wear under a typical bike helmet.
Warm boots or shoes.
Warm socks.
Wind resistant scarf, neck gaiter or balaclava.
Warm long underwear or base layer undergarments.
Pannier or backpack to carry work clothes.
Eye protection (Glasses, sunglasses, ski goggles)
Freshly charged headlight and tail light. (Drivers may have a harder time seeing you through frosted windshields or may not be looking for you.)
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?

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:

Pogies (Bar Mitts) to cover handlebars and hands.
Metal Spiked Tires for gripping ice.
Water resistant Panniers
Ski goggles are very helpful, especially when temperatures go below 20 degrees.
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.)
Shoe covers
Ventable coat and pants.
Warm wool or polypro layers, top and bottom.

THINGS TO CONSIDER IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:

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