To safely ride a bike on ice, studded tires are necessary and proper technique is important. Homemade studded tires can be made with screws, and riders should brake gradually and wear shoes with grip. Awareness of surroundings and communication with others is also crucial.
Bicycling on ice isn’t as dangerous as it sounds, but doing it safely requires more than a good helmet. You also need to equip the bike with studded tires, either purchased or homemade, and learn proper ice cycling techniques. When a cyclist is properly prepared, winter biking can be an effective way to get around town, stay in shape, and save money on public transportation or motor vehicle maintenance.
For better traction, one should ensure that the bike’s tires are studded before attempting to ride a bike on ice. Studded tires can be purchased at a bike shop or studded tires can be made at home. To create homemade studded tires, small screws must be inserted into the tire from the inside. The bolts should protrude from the outside of the tire and be evenly spaced for balance. Before replacing the tire on the wheel, the screw heads should be covered with masking tape or plastic tape to prevent accidentally tearing the inner tube.
Riding a bike on ice also requires proper technique. One should maneuver the bike slowly while keeping it upright and try to ride in a straight line for as long as possible. If a turn is required, one should take the time to do it smoothly, supporting one foot to help maintain balance. It is also helpful to wear shoes with grip for stability during cornering. You should not brake in the middle of a turn, as it can cause the bike to slide out of control.
A rider can test ice slipperiness early by pressing the brake to see how long it takes the bike to come to a complete stop on the ice. Only the rear wheel brake should be used because if the tire slips unexpectedly it is easier to recover with the support of the front tire. One should apply the brake gradually and do it slowly, because abrupt braking can cause the tire to slip. Based on the time it takes to bring the bike to a complete stop during the practice brake, a rider should plan ahead when they actually need to stop or slow down during the ride.
You should also make sure that you are especially aware of your surroundings when riding a bike in winter. A cyclist must know when the ice ends and continually scan the area for obstacles, cars, and other cyclists. One must stay in communication with others sharing the icy roads through eye contact and hand signals. When cycling on ice, there is a constant need to plan any action in advance. One must be prepared to put a foot, or feet, down at any time to help maintain proper balance.
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