Caroline Griffith, NEC Executive Director
and Sprout Atlas, Moon Cycles
At the time of this writing (an unseasonably warm and sunny October afternoon) it’s hard to imagine that there would ever be a time when we wouldn’t want to ride our bikes. However, the season of rains is fast approaching so now is the time to prepare ourselves, mentally and physically, for riding in the rain. With the right gear and preparation, biking during the rainy season can be a very enjoyable experience, but we want to acknowledge that there are plenty of valid reasons why more people don’t do it. Even if your rainy commute is fun, spending your work day cold and wet is not. Not to mention the safety concerns that come with decreased visibility. So here are some tips that have helped us to feel safe and prepared so that we can enjoy our rainy commutes.
Gear for your Bike
One piece of gear that is integral to staying dry while riding on wet streets is a set of fenders. These come in all different styles and price points, but the basic function is the same: to keep your tires from splashing water up on your body. They can help keep your feet and your butt dry. Even the fanciest of fenders can be a pain to install because there are so many variations of bike shapes and sizes, but creating something from reused materials and zip ties is a fun and cheap way to get custom-made fenders for your bike. An internet search for “DIY bike fenders” yields dozens of ideas made from flexible plastic folders, old plastic jugs, aluminum cans and even cardboard boxes (these won’t last you very long, but will work in a pinch). Another benefit of creating your own fenders is that you can tailor the color and style to your bicycle if aesthetics are a concern for you.
If you have a rack on your bike it can also help block the rain from splashing up on you while you ride. Think about how you can utilize the rack and whatever you have attached to it (like a milk crate, for instance) to act like a fender. Old lawn signs from political campaigns can be cut to fit inside crates or baskets to provide a barrier from puddles, and also can help keep small things from falling out.
Gear for your Body
Riding in the rain and not caring how wet you get can be incredibly fun. But spending your day with soggy feet is not, so dressing for the rain is important. This can either mean donning full rain gear to avoid getting wet in the first place, or investing in clothing that will dry quickly once you are out of the elements. In addition to keeping the rain out, rain gear can also keep heat in, so depending on how much heat you naturally generate and how long your ride is, it can result in a very sweaty situation. Fleece-lined leggings, on the other hand, can keep you warm in the rain and dry quickly once you’ve arrived at your destination. Another option is to carry a dry set of clothes to change into. Lining your backpack with a thick plastic bag will help keep those clothes dry while en route. Unfortunately, a full outfit change is not always feasible and many employers don’t have an appropriate place to change, so this doesn’t work for every situation. Layers can be helpful: if you have an underlayer that dries quickly you can just change your outer layer for work. Voila! Instant work attire.
Having warm, dry feet can make a big difference in how enjoyable your commute is, so investing in water proof shoes or socks is a good idea. Even a cheap pair of rubber boots can make a huge difference, and you can bring another pair of shoes to change into (or stash some inside shoes at work, like Mr. Rogers) so you don’t have to squeak around all day. And don’t forget about your fingers. Gloves, waterproof or not, can make the difference between a cozy ride and showing up to work with numb fingers. Something to cover your ears on a chilly morning is nice, too.
Safety
Rain means lower visibility, so safely getting around by bike in the rain requires that you make yourself as noticeable as possible. In addition to using front and rear lights, wearing bright clothing and/or mounting reflectors on your tires can make you more visible. A package of 36 spoke reflectors can be purchased online for around $8, a small investment that will make a big visual impact. Reflective striping can be purchased at your local safety supply store and sewn or glued onto backpacks or panniers. It’s important on drizzly gray days not to blend in with the pavement, so this is the perfect opportunity to embrace your inner raver and wear those bright clothes that might feel out of place in your regular life. The goal here is to stick out and be noticed, so brighter is better.
Mental Preparation
This can be one of the biggest hurdles to hopping on your bike on a drizzly morning. Oftentimes, the view from inside the house makes the rain seem worse than it is. It is often helpful to step outside and actually feel the weather before making a decision. Hearing the birds can help with motivation, too. Feeling physically prepared can also help you feel mentally prepared to set out on those rainy mornings; if you know you have the right gear to stay warm and dry(ish), it’s easier to make the move. Here’s a pro tip: If you bring a thermos of hot tea or coffee, warming up when you reach your destination is that much easier.