A guide to riding in wet weather

Overcast skies paired with a forecast of rain might convince you to reconsider hopping on your bike. But don’t feel alone—cyclists from Miami to Portland encounter these challenges year-round. With these straightforward tips, you’ll be cycling confidently through any weather.

Getting Equipped for Rain

Even in summer, getting soaked can lead to uncomfortable chills or even hypothermia. Arriving shivering and drenched isn’t exactly pleasant. There’s a saying in outdoor sports circles: “There’s no bad weather, just bad gear,” and it rings true for cyclists too.

While riding in the rain can never be as enjoyable as a sunny day, dressing smartly can make a big difference. Layer up to stay dry and keep your core warm with a moisture-wicking underlayer made from polypropylene or similar quick-drying materials. Top it off with a waterproof jacket or vest made from breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex to prevent overheating. Avoid hoods, as they can obstruct your hearing and vision. Instead, opt for a breathable helmet cover to keep your head dry. Complete your rain-ready ensemble with waterproof booties for your shoes and gloves that repel water.

Accessories to Stay Safe

If you’ve ever visited a bike shop, you know there’s an endless array of accessories available. While personal preference plays a role, there are essential rainy-day riding items you should consider adding to your kit if you haven’t already.

Lenses: Regular sunglasses can make everything look too dark on a rainy day, so grab a pair of clear or yellow lenses for those wet-weather rides—they’re also great post-sunset. Look for styles offering excellent protection and proper ventilation to prevent fogging. Road spray from cars or your tires can send debris flying toward your eyes. Opt for ballistic-rated eyewear that won’t crack or shatter under high-speed impacts. Yellow lenses enhance contrast, making it easier to spot debris on the road. Polarized glasses aren’t typically recommended, but they can help if you’re riding on wet pavement reflecting light from headlights or nearby structures.

To keep your lenses clear, use an anti-fog product while riding. Prevent scratches by gently wiping them with a soft cloth after rinsing with water. Always carry a microfiber cloth—it’s amazing how often you’ll need it!

Protect Your Belongings: Keep your documents, gadgets, and other essentials safe with a waterproof messenger bag, backpack, or panniers. Features like roll-top designs, covered zippers, sealed seams, and extra liners ensure your belongings stay dry, even in heavy rain.

Equipping Your Bike

Riding in adverse weather poses inherent risks: visibility decreases, traction diminishes, and stopping distances increase. Familiar paths may require heightened focus. Pedestrians, drivers, and fellow cyclists will face similar challenges. Staying vigilant is key to keeping everyone safe.

Illuminating Your Ride

According to California Highway Patrol statistics, traffic accidents spike by 203% during rainfall. Ensure drivers notice you during gloomy weather or drizzles. Reflective strips on clothing and bikes help, but additional clip-on lights for your bike and helmet boost your visibility significantly.

Reducing Splash

Install fenders on both wheels to shield you from road spray. Longer fenders also keep grime and grit off your bike’s drivetrain. If you dislike riding with fenders in dry conditions, consider clip-on options for rainy days.

Checking Your Brakes

Brake pads wear faster in wet conditions due to grit and moisture. Wet pads take longer to stop, requiring a full wheel rotation to clear water from the braking surface. Pump your brakes lightly after crossing a puddle to ensure they function properly.

Understanding the Risks

Rainy days can be beautiful. Many cyclists opt to stay indoors, leaving you with nearly empty bike lanes or trails. Stay alert for potential hazards to keep your ride enjoyable.

Slippery Surfaces

Moisture brings road oils to the surface, increasing the likelihood of skidding while turning, braking, or steering. Look for oil slicks indicated by rainbow hues in puddles. Slow down, brake gradually, and maintain an upright position during turns to avoid losing control.

Other Slippery Hazards

Any metal surface becomes extra slippery in the rain, including steel grid bridges, manhole covers, and train tracks. Painted lines and bricks are also slick when wet. Keep your handlebars straight when crossing these surfaces to avoid sliding.

Hidden Dangers

Splashing through puddles might bring back childhood memories, but it’s safer to avoid them unless you can see what lies beneath. Potholes, construction sites, rocks, or mud could hide beneath the surface of seemingly harmless puddles.

Lightning

Before heading out, download a weather app with lightning tracking features, like WeatherBug. Areas like Colorado and Arizona are prone to sudden afternoon thunderstorms in summer, so plan rides for mornings if possible. If you hear thunder, seek shelter in a building with plumbing and electricity or an enclosed metal-topped vehicle. If neither is nearby, move away from hills, water, and open spaces. Stay clear of isolated trees or rocky overhangs for shelter.

Preparing for the Worst

Despite careful planning, accidents or breakdowns can still happen. A reliable support network is crucial in such situations. Bicycle insurance offers added peace of mind. Velosurance provides roadside assistance for emergencies like these. Whether your bike is lost, stolen, or involved in an accident, coverage ensures you’re prepared.