Cycling in Georgia can be a year-round pleasure.  An issue of “Shifting Gears” – the newsletter of the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign – includes a useful article about preparing to ride in cooler weather.  Here’s an excerpt from that article:

The health benefits of biking are far too great to let go of biking in the winter, but it does take a little extra to ride comfortably.  The winter cyclist outfits him/herself for function and dependability, not necessarily for fashion or speed.  The recommendations below may add weight or “complexity” to your ride but they will get you from home to your destination and back with the greatest of ease and comfort.

Clothing – You don’t have to wear “expensive” bike clothes to ride in the winter.  Wear comfortable clothes in layers, just as you would for other outdoor winter activities.  You can find inexpensive clothing for layering (fleece and wool are good), shoes, socks, gloves, etc. at discount clothing and sporting goods stores.

The rule about layering is you should feel slightly cool when you leave home.  If you feel warm, you’ll get hot in just a few blocks and begin to sweat.  Sweat will cause your clothing to get wet or damp, and when you have to stop (like at an intersection), the wet clothes will make you feel cold.  So if you start to feel warm, partially unzip your windbreaker jacket or remove a layer.  It’s a good idea to check the wind-chill factor when determining how you should dress.  It’s usually colder than you think, as we generate wind-chill just by riding.  Experiment with what clothing options work best for you.

Don’t forget to cover your legs.  Many people think that since the legs are working so much they do not need to be covered until the temperature is really cold.  The experts disagree with that concept.  Most say that knees should be covered below 65 degrees and legs at about 50 degrees.  Remember, though, to wear close-fitting pants so your pant leg does not get caught in the chain.  Tights are good, or you can tuck a pant leg into your socks.  Bike shops also sell straps or clips to hold your pant legs close to your ankle.

 Gloves or mittens will keep your hands warm so you can steer, shift gears, and apply the brakes  You may want to invest in a couple of pairs to keep your hands warm in a range of temperatures from about 55 degrees to below 20 degrees.  Don’t forget your ears and the top of your head – a huge percentage of body heat is lost through your head.  Wear a cap under your helmet, or a full head covering called a balaclava.  Remember to wear ear/head coverings that allow you to hear traffic as you ride.

Lighting and Reflectors – How many times have you seen the “invisible” cyclist when you are driving at night?  You know, the one with no lights or with only a dim tail-light.  With the days being shorter, you may find yourself riding in low light.  Get the best lighting you can afford.  At a minimum, you need a headlight, so you will visible to motorists approaching you from the front, and a rear blinking red tail-light.  Generally, it’s important for motorists to see you in low light/darkness.  A reflective vest is useful and lightweight, and can be worn as a supplement to headlights and tail-lights.

 [Note that Georgia law requires a headlight and rear reflector when riding a bicycle at night:

40-6-296.

(a)  Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a light on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety which shall be visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlights on a motor vehicle.  A light emitting a red light visible from a distance of 300 to the rear may be used in addition to the rear reflector.]

Safety – being safe regardless of the season is the goal of every cyclist.  Roads you are familiar with will look different and ride differently in the winter months, so be prepared for the unexpected.  Remember that puddles might hide a pothole, so ride around puddles.  The same is true for roadside debris – leaves and pine straw can be very slippery, so ride around them if you can.  And if weather conditions change or you find yourself ill-prepared for the ride home, always opt for the safest way.  Call someone for a ride or take public transportation.  All metro Atlanta bus systems have bike racks and bikes are allowed on all MARTA trains.