10 things that make winter cycling easier today (and 3 that make it harder)

My book Frostbike was my attempt to answer a simple question: Is riding your bike in winter a viable way of getting around. It's the 10th anniversary of this book. And the occasion has got me thinking a lot about how things have changed in that time.

So here are 10 things that make winter cycling better today than 10 years ago. And a few things that are worse.

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0:00 Introduction
0:30 Bikes are Better for Winter Now
2:03 Winter Clothing is Better Now
3:43 Winter Cycling Gear Is Better Now
4:44 eBikes
5:49 Winter Cycling is No Longer Weird. Mostly
6:54 Snow Clearing of Bike Routes No Longer a Novelty
8:02 Winter Bike Communities Are Great
8:52 Winter Bike Share
9:37 More Bike Lanes
10:10 The Appeal to Ignorance is Weaker
11:10 Our Attitude Toward Winter is Still Negative
12:14 Winter Cycling is a Privilege, Not a Right
12:58 Winter is Changing

[Hdtjdjbszh]

I think there was a real low point for sensible cycling in the 90s to 00s, my parents and grandparents rode their bikes all year and they have realy old fashioned "dutch" bikes, and nowadays sensible bikes are making a comeback, people like Shifter are part of this, thanks for promoting sensible cycling

[MichaelS-prqn]

Hallmark is the answer, Please Hallmark give us a movie or two about Winter riders making a Snowy Connection!

[haqitman]

This is my first year of bike commuting through winter and so far it has been going great. One of the benefits in my city is that the shared bike/ped paths are almost completely clear of other users so it can feel like i have the entire thing to myself. I do hope that more people will get out and embrace winter cycling but for now i'm happy to enjoy the freedom and solitude.

[ethanswanson]

Had someone tell me this morning that I must be hard core to bike today. It was -18C. I showed him my balaclava and goggles and said it wasn’t too bad. Gave studded tires a try a few years ago and have enjoyed it since. So nice not to have to put my bike away once the snow comes.

[TheRongWay]

Not gonna lie I used to think people ride in the winter are kinda crazy. And now I started riding too. 100% enjoying it. Documented it too.
Thank you for normalizing winter cycling and commute on bikes in general

[ColinEnsFunk]

This is so cool - I didn't realize that you are the person who wrote Frostbike!! My dad gave me a copy of Frostbike when it came out after reading it himself, since I was just starting to bike places year-round, and it really changed my perspective on cycling in the winter. More recently, I've been watching your videos. It's cool to realize that you are the author of a book that really inspired me! Thanks from a Saskatoon cyclist!

[juliapoelstra]

I just ordered an OuterU faceglove flex. It's a nose and cheek mask that isn't supposed to obstruct your breathing or leave a soggy frosty mess around your mouth. Fingers crossed, It's going to get chilly in the next few weeks in Ontario

[joeamar]

I'm a Boomer (?) and, although I haven't ridden my bikes in winter since I was a kid, I would consider starting again to extend my riding season here in New England. Thanks for the videos. Enjoy them very much.

[joevigil]

Great video. This is my second year biking through winter, and it has been a life changing experience. Very encouraged to see so many like-minded people commenting on their experiences as well. Keep riding and stay warm!

[furrane]

Perfect timing : I just made a couple earmuffs for my cycling helmet and I'll be testing them tomorrow on my way to work :) I feel I should point out that I live in Nantes, France, where winters are very mild and we rarely get any snow, but it still get pretty chilly this time of the year.

Great video, stay safe everyone !

[MathieuTechMoto]

One more advantage to cycle in the winter is you don't have to plow and scape ice of your entire car, just pick your bike and go, your butt will melt the snow on the seat

[Liefpj]

Yeah, it took me about three weeks to put on my studs and went for my first ride today( -31 Winnipeg). The roads are pretty hard packed. No brown sugar in sight. So true about E bikes and keeping me un sweaty year round.

[TorBoy]

Ontario's Premier Doug Ford just passed legislation to remove bike lanes from Downtown Toronto. So sad, and very backward. I'll continue to ride in winter.

[rand]

I love my e-bikes. I ride 10 miles (16 km) each way to work. Another gift of aging is getting very sweaty no matter the weather. I won't ride a regular bike to work because of this. I rode this morning at 16F (-8C) in the snow and loved it as always.

[JeansWithPockets]

Hi Tom, from Winnipeg! Today it was -32°C before wind chill (which the pathetic 10 km/h wind raised to -41°!) and there was 2 others hitched up to the bike rack in addition to me! It. Is. Happening. Still feels like a major win to just get home alive though.

[zigarten]

I've seen quite a few bikes in the last few days as the chinook has cleared the pathways in Calgary. Now even though my daily trip has plowed pathways, the melt freeze situation means they can be treacherous. But these videos of my fellow Calgarian makes me more confident to go.

[bikebikerides]

Great video, Tom. Watching it brought be back to those early days and hosting you in our shop for a book launch. Good times. Happy 10 year anniversary to Frostbike.

[AccountingCycling]

Cleared for people out for a walk, " aka people commuting by foot. 😁 I love that my city & county (Milwaukee, WI) clear the multiuse paths, bike lanes, and are much more vigilant about sidewalks being cleared!

[Lance]

I cycle year round in Halifax, and winter studded tires have made the most difference for me. Winter tires have a compound that stays effective in cold temps, and the studs make them even better. I never even slipped last winter. And I think I've found a way to keep my fingers warm, but we'll see about that.

[coffeeandnaturesquietasmr]

Thanks.
Riding all winter for the first time. Learning lots quickly.