Comments on: Making Winter Biking Safer

By: Mark Stosberg

Mark Stosberg — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 03:10:52 +0000

Here’s a photo of the family on the bike from earlier in the season:

http://mark.stosberg.com/bike/2010/11/winter-bike-commuting-with-child.html

By: Mark Stosberg

Mark Stosberg — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 03:10:15 +0000

My wife crashed on our 100 lb electric cargo bike today after the front wheel ( a 2.35″ Big Apple ) lost traction on an ice patch, going about 10 mph up an incline. The bike fell over and she skinned her knee. The 3 yr old strapped into the back was unharmed.

I had been running low tire pressure in the front wheel for the winter conditions, but had just pumped it up some the night before after being considered that was slow low it might pinch flat. Maybe lower tire pressure could have helped.

I think it’s time to invest in some snow tires for the season.

We had been using our bikes to solve the problem of how to drop off and pick-up our only car at the mechanic today. I was dropping the car off and taking a folding bike to work, while she was riding the electric bike with the child.

Thanks for sharing your tips and experience– I think the “outrigger” approach shown in the video is a good idea, and a good adaption of electric bikes.

By: No

No — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:07:37 +0000

Going back to the single snow tyre. If you only have 1 it’s always the FRONT that needs the better grip. So you were definately at fault for putting it on the back first. Same for any grip techniques like lowering pressure etc. The front wheel is the most important.

By: noclaf

noclaf — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:08:26 +0000

A dude at my LBS told me that if you can only afford one snow tire, it should be on the front. The weight, and length of a bike under you hips(your center of gravity!) should be enough to keep the back of a bike centered and stable. Then all the extra traction can be directed to the front, where you’re more likely to unexpectedly lose control first. So far that theory as worked out for me.

That being said, there really is nothing to be done about the black ice, I was slowing down for a stop sign earlier this month, and WOOSH, next thing I knew I was on the ground.

By: Rick

Rick — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:36:19 +0000

Very thorough and fun read! Love the illustrations too. Keep the rubber side down…

By: Bike Forth » Blog Archive » Making Winter Biking More Comfortable

Bike Forth » Blog Archive » Making Winter Biking More Comfortable — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:46:19 +0000

[...] biking can be excruciatingly uncomfortable in Ithaca. (It can also be dangerous—see Making Winter Biking Safer.) This winter I developed two bike accessories to combat the cold: electric bike gloves and a bike [...]