http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: CCE members set to encourage (more) winter cycling en Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:33:06 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-89180 Mon, 29 Oct 2012 22:22:17 +0000 559 89180@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Winter prep...<br /> New batteries<br /> Extra jersey<br /> Double gloves<br /> Take corners slower<br /> Same tyres<br /> Watch out for Invisibility Cloak users<br /> Works every year </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-89149 Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:53:16 +0000 kaputnik 89149@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Someone clearly preparing early for the winter this morning, commuting on a Pugsley past South Gyle station </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-89144 Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:36:27 +0000 Morningsider 89144@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>SRD - thanks. I might have guessed that such robust outdoor clothes for kids didn't come from Scotland. I don't think I owned a proper waterproof coat (i.e. one where the rain stays on the outside, rather than simply being called waterproof) until my mid-20's. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-89135 Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:56:10 +0000 SRD 89135@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@morningsider - i buy mine from the states. here';s the <a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/45254?feat=512118-GN2&amp;page=infants-and-toddlers-discovery-rain-pants">link to the trousers</a> and <a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/45256?feat=512118-GN2&amp;page=infants-and-toddlers-discovery-rain-jacket">jackets</a>. I like that they are very lightweight and easy to packaway, and fit layers under so can be worn all year around. but there is a thread somewhere that links to UK available ones. </p> <p>@crowriver - camping? well, yes, but also just going to the playpark!</p> <p>(missed these contributions a few days back - sorry!) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-89134 Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:53:06 +0000 Arellcat 89134@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>And the novelty of your bike sounding like the road is covered in rice krispies never gets old. :-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-89131 Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:46:08 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 89131@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Have just ordered some snow/ice spike tyres from TBC. Will be collewcting them the morra and winterising the MTB. Just doing my bit for a mild winter... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-89082 Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:10:24 +0000 chdot 89082@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"</p> <p>Our focus is on clearing priority routes for buses and emergency vehicles and giving access to hospitals, health centres and schools.</p> <p>But there is a lot you can do to help us keep the city moving. You can clear pavements in your area and check on neighbours. Your localNeighbourhood Team may be able to help with equipment.</p> <p><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20189/severe_weather/1521/preparing_for_winter/2" rel="nofollow">http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20189/severe_weather/1521/preparing_for_winter/2</a> </p> <p>" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88998 Sun, 28 Oct 2012 23:51:54 +0000 LivM 88998@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Re: Rain. As my mother would always say: "You won't dissolve".<br /> I realise that I get to work in my waterproofs drier than the people who have used their car to commute, then dashed across the carpark with just a tiny umbrella. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88996 Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:54:55 +0000 chdot 88996@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"</p> <p>Look at this on eBay:</p> <p>3 x Schwalbe Snow Stud Tyres 28 x 1.5 700 x 38 Ice Tyres 1 new 2 used</p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/UWtD4C" rel="nofollow">http://bit.ly/UWtD4C</a></p> <p>"</p> <p>South Queensferry... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88927 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 22:16:41 +0000 AlanT 88927@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Uberuce, it wasn't my trike you were on but it doesn't matter, the ICE trikes are well known for being good quality machines. I've got the non-suspended Sprint with 26" rear wheel and Schwalbe Big Apple tyres on at the moment but prepared to swap for at least the rear for a studded tyre if we get a proper winter.</p> <p>We are a one car family and my wife needs use of the car most of the time so I need a way of getting to work (I work outside the town where buses are not that frequent) in all weathers - the trike gives me that ability and the Veltop canopy turns it into the closest thing to a velomobile but at half the cost and with the flexibility of riding 'open top' when the weather is good. The benefit of being able to ride to work year round is maintaining a good level of fitness without having to resort to going to a gym or doing some other activity. After a while riding to work becomes routine and although I do still occasionally take the car, I never ever wake up and think that I'd rather drive than take the trike.</p> <p>Also, not ideal if you ride a drop bar bike with STIs, but Buffalo Mitts are absolutely superb for keeping hands toasty warm when the temperature drops to zero and below. If you wear a helmet then a skullcap type hat is essential. I don't wear a helmet when riding the trike because I feel much safer, so I just where whatever hat suits the conditions best. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88925 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 22:14:16 +0000 fimm 88925@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just found <a href="http://www.copenhagenize.com/2011/01/cycling-in-winter-in-copenhagen.html">this</a> on the blog with the thing about desire lines at a junction linked to on the other thread... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88920 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 21:50:46 +0000 chdot 88920@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland have launched their winter readiness campaign warning that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who fail to ready themselves could be risking their lives or the lives of others."</p> <p><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-20095495" rel="nofollow">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-20095495</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88910 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 19:52:09 +0000 fimm 88910@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>A friend has just posted on Facebook "... cycling through horizontal hail the size of dried peas to get to a windswept headland was not near the sensible end of the spectrum..."<br /> This is what we like to see. :o)</p> <p>I had some hail on the way home. But there was a stonking sunset as well. And buzzards. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88903 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 17:58:51 +0000 Uberuce 88903@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That trike is awesomesauce, although I was crap at changing the gears on it at East Fortune. Sorry, Alan! </p> <p>Just checked and Schwalbe make their studded Winters in 20." Pop a trio of them on and you'll be giggling. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88895 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:26:58 +0000 cc 88895@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>AlanT - wow, enjoy your ICE [on ice]! Great fun :) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88893 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:55:51 +0000 Bruce 88893@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This might be useful</p> <p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/bike-blog/2012/oct/26/winter-cycling-tactics-alaska" rel="nofollow">http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/bike-blog/2012/oct/26/winter-cycling-tactics-alaska</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88891 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:40:00 +0000 AlanT 88891@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've been commuting by bike (Perth rather than Edinburgh) for several years now and the only thing that has put me off has been icy roads. Although the main roads are gritted, getting to the main road can be a problem.</p> <p>That's all about to change this winter though with my acquisition of an ICE Sprint recumbent trike. Three wheels has to be better than two when the road surface gets slippy. I also find I'm getting more road space from passing motorists when I'm on the trike so the benefits are safety and comfort :-)</p> <p>Riding on a dark, cold, wet morning or evening might not sound like fun but if you're layered up properly (I prefer a light weather resistant jacket like a Montane Featherlite to a full waterproof which doesn't breathe as well) and have good lights then it feels quite satisfying getting to work under your own effort.</p> <p>This not just about commuting though and I know club riders who'll forego the Sunday run if the surface conditions look a bit iffy. Better to stay indoors than risk falling and breaking a collarbone or a wrist. Again this is where the trike comes in as it increases the range of conditions in which I can get out for a ride. Also worth noting that I use a Veltop canopy to keep the rain off - it looks ridiculous but it is fantastic!</p> <p>Obviously all these things come at a cost but what price can you put on health and happiness? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88875 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 14:22:47 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 88875@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It's one of the things cycling teaches you - I can nip out to see to the chooks in the back garden before the commute, and immediately know how many layers, and what waterproofness is required. You learn to appreciate what the weather 'feels' like. And I like that.</p> <p>"So do you cycle every day?"<br /> "Yep"<br /> "What, even if it's raining?!?!"*</p> <p>*real conversation, numerous times.</p> <p>I posted a thing on Twitter a few days ago about it being really really wet to ride in, and got a response from a friend referring to a plan years and years back to move to warmer climes. I answered, perfectly honestly, "Nah, this weather reminds you you're alive" Now I'm not saying I'd be happy getting soaked for hours every day, but there's something about that feeling of getting into the office, or home, and changing into warm, dry clothes, and supping on a hot coffee. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88869 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 14:11:05 +0000 crowriver 88869@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@fimm, <em>"oh poor you, you're all wet"</em>. </p> <p>I think what they actually meant was "Don't you have a car like a proper grown up, dear?" It's a bit like the "that's brave" remark...</p> <p>@SRD. <em>Their parents clearly don't anticipate that they will ever get wet, much less go out to play inthe rain. </em></p> <p>Of course not, everyone knows that children are supposed to be transported by car everywhere at all times, unless it's a bright sunny summer day. Even if it is, well, you don't want to be <em>late</em>...</p> <p>I mean, why would you need waterprrofs if you are just nipping a few metres to the car? Camping? In this weather? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88862 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:31:21 +0000 DaveC 88862@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>North Team‏@north_team</p> <p>"@DaveCrampton sure, we'll pass this on to taskforce for action "</p> <p>David Crampton‏@DaveCrampton</p> <p>"@north_team Many thanks. To clarify this is the cycle and Pedestrian path not the pavement adjacent to Ferry Road. Kindest regards." </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88861 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:30:36 +0000 Morningsider 88861@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>SRD - meant to ask at the last PY. The mini-SRD's had very nifty waterproofs on - where did you get them? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743&page=2#post-88860 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:29:25 +0000 DaveC 88860@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>David Crampton‏@DaveCrampton</p> <p>"@north_team Any chance you could send a road sweeper down Fery Rd path as its ankle deep in leaves most of the way. "</p> <p>David Crampton‏@DaveCrampton</p> <p>"@north_team Whilst its still dry and cold could the leaves be swept up before winter sets in proper &amp; it becomes a quagmire. Pretty Pls! :-)" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743#post-88859 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:26:28 +0000 SRD 88859@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I am amazed at the number of children who don't own waterproofs. Their parents clearly don't anticipate that they will ever get wet, much less go out to play inthe rain. perverse. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743#post-88858 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:23:02 +0000 cc 88858@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I don't mind the winter weather at all. It's my bike tyres which mind it, if the weather takes the form of invisible sheet ice on an ungritted road. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743#post-88855 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:19:12 +0000 Min 88855@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ooh that is so true. People are terrified TERRIFIED mark you, of getting a raindrop on them or feeling a breath of wind. Staggering. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743#post-88851 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:12:45 +0000 lionfish 88851@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@fimm yeah sorry, I didn't mean to be so negative!</p> <p>The crispy frosty beauty of winter mornings is nice :)</p> <p>re <em>"I think we as a society are getting less used to actually experiencing weather"</em> - so true! My mum drives the ~0.8 miles to work, across her village if she 'thinks it might rain'. The fear people have of getting rained on is slightly weird! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743#post-88846 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:59:56 +0000 fimm 88846@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>LOL @ Darkerside... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743#post-88845 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:59:12 +0000 fimm 88845@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It is interesting that although they specifically say <em>...we don’t think that this will happen from just focusing on the dangers and issues of winter cycling. We want to show all the things that are amazing about it as well...</em> that nearly all the discussion on this thread has been about precisely that.</p> <p>I do have an alternative to bike-train-bike if I really don't feel happy about the conditions, so that is something. I came in on the big bike this morning, though, and it was lovely, although cold. </p> <p>"No such thing as inclement weather, just inadequate clothing". I think we as a society are getting less used to actually <em>experiencing</em> weather - I've come in with a wet face because I've been cycling in the rain and I've had the reaction "oh poor you, you're all wet" - well not really, just my face, we are fortunate to have mostly warm buildings and I'll dry off soon enough. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743#post-88844 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:54:44 +0000 Darkerside 88844@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>As an alternative method for ensuring your commute takes place on ice-free roads, try adjusting your route to follow the emergency services access to a nuclear submarine base.</p> <p>No issues at all :p </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8743#post-88842 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:47:29 +0000 lionfish 88842@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Yes. The biggest barrier to cycling is definitely that cycle paths and routes are not gritted"</p> <p>I don't know if that is the biggest barrier. minimoth stopped cycling during the winter previously as she didn't feel safe as a woman on her own on unlit, empty, paths across North Edinburgh at night. She did try cycling via the road route - but after a series of threatening actions by taxis etc she didn't feel comfortable taking to the rush-hour roads every morning and evening.</p> <p>She's now got a couple of friends who work with/near her and travel a similar route, so she'll be critical-commuting with them home, so hopefully will be able to cycle through the winter.</p> <p>(I agree making the subjective/actual safety of people on their own on such paths is quite difficult - what we need is more people on the paths! A bit of a chicken-and-egg problem).</p> <p>I definitely agree properly gritting the paths is also an essential in terms of keeping people cycling. I don't really feel I can do much more to improve how my wheels stick to the ice - when I found I could barely even stand up on the icy path, I realised cycling was also not going to be happening...</p> <p>...I guess the question is: /Should/ we be encouraging more people to cycle when the paths aren't gritted? (and a similar question more generally: Should the council be trying to get more cyclists on to the road while keeping the roads unsafe? - e.g. high-speeds on trunk roads, parking on cycle lanes, etc). </p>