Rainy Day Riding Tips Plus How to Bike Commute Safely After Dark
Even with winter here, you can still incorporate biking into part (or all) of your commute. Watch past bike safety webinars to learn how to map a safe route, boost your confidence, learn about traffic rules, and more. To get you through inclement weather and night riding, two Stanford Transportation staffers who bike as part or all of their commutes share tips and great ideas on staying engaged in cycling even when the weather is bad.
Assistant Director of Active Mobility
Rainy Day Riding Tips from Ariadne “R” Delon Scott, Stanford’s active mobility/biking guru.
- Get a bike well-suited for the rain.
- Wider tires provide more traction on wet roads.
- Make sure there is tire clearance for fenders that prevent backsplash.
- You’ll have extra gear so add a rear bike rack to accommodate panniers and/or saddle bags to store more dry clothes.
- Wear the right gear.
- Consider a waterproof jacket and/or layers of wool that can get wet and still keep you warm.
- Wet feet are no fun; waterproof shoe covers work great. Plastic bags secured with rubber bands will also work in a pinch.
- Don’t forget to bring a dry towel or leave one at work so you can dry off. You will get wet!
- Wear bright neon colors or reflective gear even during the day so motorists can see you.
- Ride slowly and look for hazards.
- Use bike lights, even during the day, to increase your road presence.
- Have Fun. Sing or hum a tune when you arrive at your destination. And dry off! Suggested playlist:
- Here Comes the Rain Again - Eurythmics
- It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls
- I'm Only Happy When it Rains - Garbage
- Purple Rain - Prince
- A Hard Rain's a Gonna Fall - Bob Dylan
- Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head - Burt Bacharach