Oregon’s interminable rainy season is upon us, bringing with it a strong desire to hibernate and avoid going out in the cold and dark. Some bike commuters may be struggling to find the motivation to brave the elements on their way to work or class.
But with the right preparation, the weather need not be a deterrent, says Elza Records, sustainable transportation coordinator with Oregon State University Transportation Services.
“If you’re someone for whom bicycling makes sense, but feel intimidated to do it when the weather is cold or unpleasant, focus on the areas of staying warm, staying dry and staying seen,” Records said. “How you do that has a fair number of options depending on what you already have, what you’re able to go shopping for and what your overall priorities are.”
Records also has a detailed presentation she created last year, if you’re looking for extra tips. And here is a Corvallis campus bike map showing showers, bike lockers, covered bike racks and other useful locations.
1. Dress in layers
Staying warm is a balance, Records said, and depends on how much you sweat. Layers allow you to adjust as needed along the way.
She advises base layers of wool or high-quality synthetic fibers, and then a waterproof, breathable outer layer. Add a puffy vest in colder weather to stay warm but let your underarms breathe.
2. Waterproof your shoes
Tennis shoes or running shoes are usually made to be breathable, and thus might let your feet drown in the rain.
If you don’t have specific waterproof biking shoes, but you do already own leather shoes or boots, Records recommends treating them with a waterproofing compound to keep your feet dry without investing in special footwear.
You can usually find waterproofing spray in an outdoor store, or in the hunting/fishing section of a sporting goods store. Sedlak’s Boots and Shoes in downtown Corvallis also sells waterproofing spray.
3. Embrace DIY and thrifting
Outdoor apparel can add up fast. Records encourages cyclists to get creative with their winter weather gear to save money and be more sustainable in their shopping.
She makes DIY arm warmers/fingerless gloves by cutting the arms off a shrunken merino wool sweater and making small holes for the thumbs. She also buys secondhand merino wool to wear as base layers, and has had good luck buying gently used bike gear online.
For panniers (saddle bags), a crafty biker on a budget could use old kitty litter buckets that completely seal out moisture when closed. You could also purchase a dry bag for less than a purpose-made waterproof cycling bag, and carry it in your bike basket.
Records has used contractor bags (heavy-duty plastic garbage bags) as a lining for a regular backpack or bag. Similarly, tying a plastic bag over the seat of your bike when it’s parked helps keep your backside dry when you get back on to ride.
If there's no covered bike parking available, Records recommends tying a plastic bag over your seat so it's dry when you need to ride. Photo by Jacob Adams.
4. Ride with multiple points of visibility
In Oregon, a front white light and a rear red light or reflector are required by law for cyclists. If anyone doesn’t have a working set of lights, Transportation Services offers a basic set for free; just stop by the Western Building office. The ZAP biking rewards program also gives out bike lights as rewards to participants.
Records recommends spoke lights as an option that is easy to install, low cost, and makes you more visible from the sides. Plus, they’re fun.
Putting high-visibility tape or small dangling reflectors on outerwear or backpacks will also increase your visibility.
5. Give yourself a pep talk
“If you’re someone who identifies as like a triathlete, think about it as an amphibious sport,” Records says. “That person is not me. I think about it more as something that’s refreshing. I know I’m going to sit in the office all day, and I’ll feel kind of icky if I drive, so I’ll feel better physically if I bike.”
She also likes knowing she can do a “mode split” and stick her bike on a bus if at some point during her commute she no longer feels like biking — though this depends on where you live.
According to the most recent transportation survey, roughly 12% of trips to OSU’s Corvallis campus are made by bicycle. Records recommends forming ZAP bike teams with coworkers for peer support.
“Every day is a new day,” she said. “If there’s a day that I drive, it doesn’t have to mean anything about what I do tomorrow. I can always make a different choice.”
Follow up:
The 2024 transportation survey was sent out in an email on Wednesday, Nov. 13; by filling it out, you can share your thoughts on commuting, parking, Veo scooters and more. People who fill it out can also choose to be entered into a prize drawing for a chance to win $250 in Orange Cash.
