How to commute by bike in winter

If you’re a seasoned, year-round rider, look away now. This guide is for anyone who has perhaps flirted with an occasional frosty morning, but has yet to tackle a full British winter commute on two wheels.

With the right kit, and a bit of planning, cycling through winter is warmer, drier and far more enjoyable than many imagine; very few of us winter-cycle-commute veterans would swap it for sitting in traffic or on a crowded bus.

Winter commuting is less about being hardy than the small, practical choices that make everyday journeys comfortable.

Is cycling to work healthy in winter?

Cycling to work doesn’t stop being good for you when the leaves fall off the trees. You’ll still turn up to work energised, you’ll still stay fit – and winter commuting may even help you stay healthier.

A large Finnish study by the Institute of Occupational Health tracked over 28,000 people and found regular cyclists averaged 4.5 fewer days off per year compared with people travelling by car or public transport.

As well as being a powerful preventative, cycling offers slots quietly into your daily routine; you’re not finding extra time for it, you’re just getting to work.

What clothing do you need for winter cycling?

Some parts of the UK are wetter than others, but cycle commuters don’t get soaked nearly as often as many assume. The average UK cycling commute is roughly 5.5 miles per trip – a journey short enough to dodge bad weather on many days. And when the heavens do open, modern fabrics make a huge difference.

Breathable waterproofs keep out wind and rain without trapping heat. Waterproof trousers work wonders. Neoprene overshoes help keep your feet toasty and dry. Merino wool or synthetic base layers keep working even if they become damp, and a simple neck warmer is worth its weight in gold. 

Drying clothes at work

A microfibre towel can remove a surprising amount of moisture by rolling and pressing clothing inside it. If need be, use small magnetic hooks to hang clothing from a bathroom radiator. It might raise eyebrows, but in many workplaces drying space has to be improvised when it isn’t  provided.

Do you need mudguards for winter cycling?

Mudguards are the unsung hero of winter riding. Most UK bikes are sold without them, which is bizarre because full-length models (not just a tiny clip-on) transform wet weather cycling, keeping grit and road spray away from your clothes, chain and face.

Which lights are best for winter commuting?

Today’s LED bike lights are brighter and more efficient than ever, but the model you need depends on your route. Unsurprisingly, flashing modes not suited to unlit rural roads.

While complex lighting patterns have become the default, it’s worth questioning whether they always help. A single bright, fixed rear light makes it easier for drivers to judge your distance – and in the visual clutter of the urban environment, novelty patterns don’t guarantee visibility.

A head torch is a great complement to a conventional setup because it allows you to quickly direct light where it is most needed.  If a driver is about to pull out, the simple act of directing a beam towards them makes all the difference.

Which tyres are best for winter cycling?

No one wants a puncture – least of all when it’s cold and dark; winter is when puncture-resistant tyres earn their keep.

A reinforced tyre such as a Gatorskin-style model or Marathon Plus, paired with a sealant-filled inner tube, provides reliable protection against most punctures. It adds a small amount of weight, but many of us are more than happy to trade that for riding that is effectively puncture free.

How to look after your bike in winter

Winter roads get gritty, wet and covered in salt. Even if you never wash your bike all season, lubricate the chain more often, protect other parts with WD-40 (staying clear of braking surfaces and tyres), and check brake pads regularly. 

What if something goes wrong mid-ride?

Most winter rides are uneventful, but breakdowns do happen. Repairing a bike in cold or dark conditions, especially with an e-bike, child seat or cargo load, can be difficult. 

If you have a mechanical fault, puncture or flat e-bike battery, ETA Cycle Rescue is a 24/7 service that can recover you and your bike from any road in the UK. It costs only £24 per year.

Low winter sun

Winter riding on the road brings its own challenges. Sun glare can make it difficult, and in some cases impossible, for drivers to see ahead, especially at commuting times when the sun sits low in the sky. Even though the Highway Code is clear – if visibility is reduced, drivers must slow down or be prepared to stop – many motorists continue to drive at normal speed despite not being able to see clearly. This means defensive riding is a must: assume drivers faced with low sun have not seen you.

For many of us, winter cycling offers us a connection with the changing seasons: the bite of cold mornings, the smell of rain on tarmac, the slow return of light as winter gives way to spring.

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