How to Cycle in the Rain

Cycling is one of the most satisfying outdoor activities around, enabling cyclists to exercise while saving money and the environment. Head out on a nice day, and you can expect a safe and exhilarating ride. Head out to cycle in the rain, however, and you could be putting yourself in harm's way. Experts advise that you observe a few safety guidelines if you want to stay upright and intact in poor weather.

Things You'll Need

• LED safety light
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Helmet cover
• Waterproof gloves
• Plastic bags

Instructions

Get in Gear

1. Visit a cycling shop and invest in waterproof clothing, such as a breathable rain jacket with sealed seams, strong rain pants and riding gloves that allow total freedom of movement.

2. Get a helmet cover and a visor to keep the rain out of your hair and face. Clear vision is the most important thing when you are cycling in the rain.

3. Get waterproof shoe covers to keep the rain from seeping into your footwear. Make sure you match the product to your foot size to avoid leakage.

4. Bring plastic bags with you to line your shoes if the rain makes its way past your shoe covers. The same bags can be used to protect the seat of your bicycle while you're on the road or the bike is parked outside.

5. Wear bright clothing and reflective tape. Activate your LED safety lights as well, no matter what time of day it is. Oftentimes, the flashing light can pierce the downpour and give motorists notice that you're there.

Hit the Road

1. Avoid winding roads and hilly regions when you cycle in the rain. Motorists only have a small window of time once they spot you on your bike, so you want to make your presence known as far in advance as possible.

2. Stick to well-lit roadways, especially at night. Cycling under a dense canopy of trees can be dangerous at any time of day, particularly when drivers' eyes are just adjusting to the gloom.

3. Watch the road carefully, make all your signals and slow down if any water has pooled in the road. Such common-sense defensive cycling habits may save your life.

Tips & Warnings

• Biking in the rain can be fun, but being caught out in a gale-force storm is simply dangerous. Check the weather before you leave to cycle, and if it looks like a major storm may be in the works, take the car.

• Seek help if you have become wet and chilled beyond your comfort zone. Hypothermia can come on suddenly and rob cyclists of their resources and good judgment.

• Slow down or get off the road altogether if the wind has knocked branches and other debris into the road. You don't want to be swerving to avoid such obstacles when you are flanked by a line of fast-moving cars.