The Best Weather Conditions to Ride a Bicycle

The most hardcore cyclists will tell you all weather is biking weather. While this might be true, sunshine and blue skies are definitely safer than riding through a blizzard! Besides the obvious, there are some more nuanced factors of the ideal riding conditions that beginners might overlook such as wind, visibility and road surface.

Here’s a brief overview of the best weather conditions for riding.

Clear skies with lots of sunlight

Bike rides are much safer when you have high visibility. Overcast days are fine, but the ideal riding conditions show up when there’s not a single cloud in the sky. If you live in Florida, then you’re in luck. The Sunshine State has the best weather conditions for riding because bright sunlight lets you see for miles down the road.

Dry roads and sidewalks

Cyclists can stay safe by choosing to bike with minimal rain, ice or snow on the ground. Dry roads and sidewalks make it easier for your bike tires to grip the asphalt. With this increased traction, you’re more equipped to make tight turns without wiping out. Even if it’s not raining at this exact moment, you’re better off waiting until the roads dry.

It’s perfectly safe to ride on slick roads as long as your bike is outfitted with the proper gear. People who live in rainy or snowy climates should install wide, knobby tires that offer tons of gripping power, but rain and snow aren’t exactly considered the ideal riding conditions. Any cyclist can safely navigate dry roads no matter what kind of tires they have.

Warm temperatures

No temperature is off limits for enjoying a bike ride. While high temps aren’t better or worse than cold ones, most cyclists prefer to wait until the weather is somewhere between 60°F and 80°F. Mild temperatures aren’t too hot or too cold—they’re just right. Even if your weather app reads a sweltering 80°F, you’ll cool off soon enough as your bike slices through the wind.

In terms of temperature, when it comes to the ideal riding conditions in Naples, FL, it’s totally up to you. Some like to feel the warm sun as they ride, while others gravitate towards the crisp air of winter. No matter your preference, it’s better to avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures to reduce your risk of heat stroke or hypothermia.

A tailwind or no wind at all

In a perfect world, zero wind is best for cycling—but that’s not very realistic. You’re bound to come across at least a little bit of wind. Try to pick a day when there’s minimal wind in order to increase your aerodynamics and expend less energy. If you encounter strong winds, ride straight into the wind for the first half of your journey. That way, you’ll have a tailwind for the second half when you’re more likely to be tired.

Rain or shine, your bike has to be prepared for anything. Cyclists can weatherproof their rides with all the bike accessories from Big Momma’s Bicycles. Don’t let a little bit of bad weather stop you. The gear from our shop will help you stay safe in any riding condition.

Categorised in: Bike Safety