Cycling in Winter: 7 Things to Watch Out for

Even though it's still cold outside, the sun occasionally slides its warm fingers through the clouds and invites eager little cyclists to jump into the saddle. So why wait until spring?

Cycling in winter can be great fun for those who are well-prepared. Low temperatures, snow, ice and early dusk can endanger the safety of young racers. In this article, you learn what to keep in mind when you decide to take your little rascal for a ride in winter.

1. Wear proper clothes

Zzzz, it's so cold! Children are more sensitive to the cold than adults, so it's important to dress them in several layers of clothes. Functional thermal underwear as the first layer will wick the sweat away, a warm sweatshirt will keep their body warm, and a waterproof jacket will protect them from wind and moisture.

Don't forget winter gloves, a warm hat under your helmet and warm winter boots with a grippy sole that will stay firm onto the pedals. During the joyful winter ride, occasionally check that your little cyclist is not sweaty or cold. If so, get back into the warmth as soon as possible.

2. Lower the tire pressure

Watch out for the slips! Figure skating on two wheels is not a good idea. So, avoid places covered with ice. It can be fun for a moment, but it usually ends in an unpleasant crash – bikes are not skates and they easily slip on the ice. Let your little rider have a good time in the snow – it’s much safer and softer in case of a fall. Riding in the snow can be a new experience and great fun for children!

In winter conditions, wider tires with a distinctive thread pattern will provide good grip and stability. We also recommend lowering the tire pressure: this provides better grip and makes the ride more comfortable and safer for children.

3. Check the bike

A child's bike doesn't feel the cold, but its parts can rust! Remember this: road salt and moisture can speed up the corrosion of any metal part of the bike. Therefore, we recommend cleaning the bike after each ride and regularly lubricating the chain. Cold weather also affects the performance of the brakes. Check that they work smoothly, that the brake blocks or pads are not too worn, and that the rim braking surface is clean.

Tip: Wanna keep your child's bike in good condition? Check out the article Children's Bike Maintenance: A Practical Guide for Parents.

4. Be seen

Hello, I'm here! In winter, the days are shorter, it gets dark early, and visibility for a small cyclist is significantly worse, so they can be easily overlooked. What to do to prevent this? Equip your child's bike with high-quality lights. If you can, dress your little cyclist in some reflective clothing. You can also attach reflective clips or a flashlight to their backpack or jacket.

5. Use the brakes sensitively

Wintertime is no race time! During the cold days, children should ride slower and more carefully than in summer. The ground is often slippery and quick moves on the bike can easily result in a crash. On the other hand, it is a great opportunity to get to know the bike better and improve their riding skills.

Also, make sure your little rider uses the brakes sensitively - especially the front one. By pressing it slightly harder on a slippery surface you block the wheel, it slides sideways, and you lose control of the bike. Therefore, avoid icy sidewalks, unpaved roads or other risky places.

Tip: Does your little rascal know how to use brakes well? Check our guide 9 Steps to Teach Your Child Brake Safely.

6. Plan your bike trip

So, where are we going today? It is a good idea to plan your trip before you set off. This will help you avoid busy areas and challenging paths such as steep hills and icy surfaces. For winter riding, we mainly recommend playgrounds, parks or bicycle paths. Most of the places mentioned are not maintained in winter - which is fine if they are covered in fresh snow. But beware the icy surfaces! They can be really dangerous.

7. Drink and eat regularly

Make sure your little rider doesn’t run out of fuel! Even in winter, it is important to pay attention to the drinking regime and sufficient energy intake. The body burns more energy, and cold air dries your mouth out quickly. Always have warm tea or lukewarm water with you. Carry a small snack, such as an energy bar or nuts, on you. Proper hydration and regular bits of an energy bar will keep your little racer in excellent shape and prevent rapid fatigue leading to a loss of concentration while cycling.

Tip: Find out more about proper hydration in our article The Drinking Regime of Young Cyclists: Why Is It Important and How to Follow It?

Summary

Riding a children's bike in winter can be a great adventure - if we don't underestimate the preparation. With these 7 simple tips, little rascals will enjoy the ride safely even in the cold winter season: and wait for the sparkles in their eyes as they joyfully ride in snow! Have a safe ride - and and remember: biking is not figure skating!