Four Ways to Keep Riding Your Bike All Year Long on Roads and Paths in Ontario

1. Take your time

When it comes to winter, you're going to have to contend with snow and ice eventually. Ride cautiously - give yourself plenty of extra time so that you can be as safe as possible.

2. Wear layers

As many people avoid winter cycling because of the fear of the cold, pedaling generates body heat which will keep you nice and warm.

3. Maintain your Bike

The biggest issue with riding a bike in the winter is that road salt will corrode the metal on your bike and can even damage the chain and pedals.Experts recommend keeping your bike clean and rinse it off regularly to remove all of the salt, sand, and slush.

4. Stay visible

In Ontario, bicyclists must have a white front light and red rear light or reflector at night, as well as a half hour after dawn and half an hour before dusk. This is especially important during winter when visibility can be poor. Bicyclists are advised to wear bright reflective clothing and put reflectors on their pedals or around their ankles to make themselves more visible to drivers. Blinking lights often aren't very effective at catching the driver's attention.