Bicycle

Transportation Programs

Winter Riding

Fortunately, Santa Cruz County is blessed with mild winter weather, which makes this a great place to ride year round. But the temperate rain and cold does require additional equipment.

Keeping Dry When it Rain
Keeping Warm in the Cold
Equip your Bike for Rain
Tune Your Riding Skills

Keeping Dry When it Rains

A waterproof jacket: Relatively lightweight and not too bulky is best. A hood is essential (wear underneath your helmet). Also swallow your fashion pride and consider a bright/fluorescent/neon color to make you more visible. A basic waterproof jacket starts at $25 and the more breathable and fitted jackets cost $100 to $200.
Rain Pants: Keep it basic but make sure it’s strong enough to the take the saddle wear but not too heavy. Prices range from $25 to $150.
Plastic Bags for your feet: They look dorky but reused plastic bread bags work the best. Simply slip over your shoes and use a rubber band to seal off the top.
Spare Socks: Keep a pair of clean, dry socks at work in case your socks do get wet on the bike ride over.

Keeping Warm in the Cold

The cold days, especially the mornings, can make biking less appealing, but winter clothing takes the bite out of the chill. Remember, once you start pedaling you’ll get warmer!

Layer: Two layers of quick drying synthetics can be followed with a windproof outer shell that blocks the wind. Layering is especially important if you have a longer bike commute since you will warm up as you bike; with layers, you can stop and take a layer off.
Gloves: Keep your hands warm with a pair of thin gloves, which allow you to brake and shift. Polypropylene gloves ($10-15) are nice.
Hat or Ear Warmer: A thin synthetic hat fits underneath your helmet and keeps warmth from escaping. If a hat is too much, ear warmer bands work really well.

Have fun and stay fit by riding year round!

Equip your Bike for Rain

Fenders: Buy a set at your local bike shop and keep the wet road grime off of your back. Most of fenders are easy to install and can be taken off in the late spring.
Lights: are even more necessary in winter as there is less daylight and lower visibility in the rain. LED front lights ($20-$35) are relatively inexpensive and don’t use up tons of batteries, but rechargeable battery powered lights are a better long-term investment. A good rechargeable light ($80-$150) allows you to see the road a whole lot better.
Red Rear Light: Absolutely essential for nighttime riding. These red blinking lights are cheap ($10-$20) and come in a variety of styles, which attach to your bike, backpack, or even your helmet.
Plastic bag for your Saddle: This keeps your saddle from getting wet if you are parking it outside.
Park out of the Rain: If possible, this is best since long periods of rain will damage your bike.
Waterproof Bike Bags: A few companies make waterproof bike bags, which attach to a standard rear bike rack. These are great for keeping your stuff dry. However, they aren’t cheap, $150-$250.

Tune Your Riding Skills

Biking in the rain is a nuisance, but when you are prepared it can actually be exhilarating. Beside clothes and equipment you also need to adjust your riding to avoid crashes due to wet, slippery roads and reduced driver visibility.

Reduce speeds: Because of increased stopping time you should ride a bit slower.
Bike defensively: Assume that car drivers might not see you. Be extra aware of cars turning, parked car doors opening, and water covered debris/hazards. Pavement markings, utility covers, and particularly railroad tracks are very slippery when wet.

Program Contact

Piet Canin

Program Director, Transportation Group
Phone: 831-426-5925 x127
Fax: 831-423-1368
Email