Last summer, team member Zach (Web and Interactive Developer) commuted to Street Level Studio by bike and unicycle to get exercise and save money. As fall and winter approached, he decided to challenge himself to push his limits in the harsher weather.

We sent him out with a GoPro^® camera to capture a day of riding his unicycle to SLS.

Here are Zach’s tips for winter cycling:

1. Dress appropriately for the cold.

I did a lot of research on what to wear in colder temperatures. At first I thought I was just supposed to wear the warmest gear possible, but I was wrong. Because of the body heat that is generated by cycling, your body stays warm on its own. All I need is a moisture/wicking base layer and a jacket to block the wind. Even on below-zero temperature days, this is enough to keep my core warm. Avoiding overdressing is important because too much sweat can cool your body and you could become chilled.

Other body parts, like ears, nose, and fingers are more susceptible to cold and frostbite and need more care. I wear a warm hat and scarf to protect my head and mittens to keep my fingers warm. I tuck my sweatpants into chunky wool socks to make sure no wind gets to my ankles or toes.

2. Be a defensive rider.

Situational awareness is key. Assume every driver will hit you and don’t assume having the right-of-way will keep you safe. Go out of your way to be cautious even if you have to ride slower or let a driver go when you have the right-of-way. In the colder seasons, people don’t expect cyclist traffic and could overlook you at crossings. Plus, conditions like snow and ice make traveling more dangerous for everyone. Be on the lookout for people texting and driving. I’m shocked at how many people I see looking into their lap while driving. If there’s a bike path along your route, take it!

3. Embrace the challenge.

Have fun and embrace the cold! On the north shore of Chicago the wind chill can bite at
-10° F, but some days are milder. Unicycling in mild flurries and a light dusting of snow is pure bliss and feels like flying.

Cycling in winter can be dangerous, so if weather or conditions are too extreme or you have any doubts, please take a safer mode of transportation. As always, wear relevant safety gear.