Our top tips for safe (and cozy) riding this winter

The winter months are a great time to ride your bike. It’s cold, sure, but it’s also beautiful and peaceful. If you prepare yourself with the right gear and know-how, cycling in the winter can be safe and enjoyable. We’ve put together some tips for staying safe on the road during colder months so that you can enjoy riding all season long.  

🚲 Make sure your bike is winter ready.

• Check your tire pressure. If you’re riding a bike with pneumatic tires, make sure they’re properly inflated. If you have tubeless tires (which are better in the snow and ice than traditional tires), check that they’re properly seated and not leaking air.
• Check your brakes. Especially to see if they’re adjusted correctly, if there aren’t any worn linings or pads, and if the brake levers are easy to reach from your hand position.
• Look over your chain for wear and tear. If you see any rust on it or feel any roughness when you move it through its gear range, get it replaced!

Our Donkey bikes are always taken care of by our shepherds. But they also go through a special winter inspection every year to make sure that everything is running smoothly, so you can ride worry-free all year round.  

💡 Invest in good lights for safety and visibility.

Your bike light should be a reliable source of visibility and safety. Especially in the winter, it’s important to choose a light that will work in all conditions – waterproof, durable, and bright enough to see. For example:

• Lights that are waterproof and have LED lights that provide plenty of illumination during the day or night (e.g., Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL). These lights come with an easy-to-install handlebar mount so you can attach them quickly and easily.
• If you already have a good set of lights but want something more portable, consider getting some headlamps, which are small enough to fit in your pocket but still provide plenty of light when needed (e.g. Blackburn Dayblazer 65, which costs just under €25).

🧣 Stay warm with layers, insulated gloves and socks, and a hat that will cover your ears.

The most important thing to remember is that you’re going to want three different layers of clothing: a base layer for keeping you dry by wicking moisture away from your skin; an insulating mid layer; and an outer layer for protection from the elements.

• Before leaving home, remember to check if you got your comfy scarf, insulated gloves, a thick pair of socks (even the ugly Christmas ones), and a hat to protect your head and ears. Knitted sweaters and heating pads are also great ways to keep warm.
• When putting together these layers, make sure they fit tightly enough around the neck so that there’s no draft where air can get through – cold air is one of the biggest enemies when it comes to staying warm while riding outside!
• You should also consider getting some waterproof boots and jackets for use during particularly snowy and wet days – which are very common during the winter months in Europe.
• Wear a helmet! It’s even more important to wear one while cycling in the winter. It will not only protect you from head injuries when there are icy conditions on the road, but also help keep your head warm by trapping body heat inside your helmet.

❄️ And don’t forget to embrace the magic of the season.

Winter is the most magical time of year. From snowflakes to lit-up trees, from hot chocolate to freshly baked cookies, there’s just something about this season that makes us all feel like kids again. And whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday (or no holiday at all), there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit. We’ve gathered some tips on what you can do in the wintertime in some of our Donkey cities: Copenhagen, Budapest and Amsterdam. So if you are spending time there this season, make sure to check it out.  

🚴 Riding throughout the winter is not only doable but enjoyable with these tips!

Cycling in the winter is a great way to keep your fitness up, and it’s also a lot of fun. We hope these tips will help you stay safe and cozy while enjoying the season on two wheels. Whatever your adventure is, we’re here for you – and we can’t wait to tag along for the ride. 🧡  

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