Finding Joy in Winter Biking: Stories and Reflections

Winter biking isn’t just about toughing it out in the cold—it’s about finding those little moments of joy that make it all worthwhile. From the quiet beauty of snow-covered trails to the camaraderie of seeing another rider braving the elements, winter biking has its own kind of magic. For some, it’s the challenge; for others, it’s the sense of adventure or the reward of warming up afterward. 

We asked folks in our network — and our own team — what does winter bike joy mean to you? Here’s what they had to say:

Gearing Up for Winter Joy

For many riders, finding joy in winter biking is all about preparation. Waterproof (and windproof) layers, studded tires, and bright lights are key for navigating through heavy “mashed potato” snow, icy trails, and dwindling daylight. “[I stay] riding year round, thanks to shoe covers, glove over shell, vented windbreaker, balaclava, and oversize helmet with most vents covered — plus the usual layers and dynamo light power,” shared Brian from northern California. 

With the right gear, what could potentially be a freezing cold, uncomfortable ride turns into a chance to feel more connected to the world around you. As another rider put it, “Commuting in winter means you gain special insight into the rhythm of the seasons in a way you can’t feel from behind the windshield of a car. From noticing how the light changes to understanding local weather better, it can be a really special experience.”

Tracks in the Snow: Stories Left Behind

Snow also grants the unique opportunity to collect data by observing tracks left behind by passersby — vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, and critters alike. Urbanist nerds like yours truly often celebrate “sneckdown season,” AKA the time of the year when snowy imprints of tire tracks call attention to how much roadway space isn’t being used by cars. This gives us a joyful opportunity to reimagine what else could fill that space, like bike lanes, sidewalks, benches, or any number of things that would improve the experience of people walking, biking, and rolling.

Seeing where snow is (and isn’t) also tells you a lot about how communities prioritize different modes of travel. Some towns, like my own, tend to focus on plowing highways, speedy arterial roads, and parking lots so vehicles don’t slip and slide as they zip past humble pedestrians stomping through half-frozen sidewalk slush. Other areas, like the Gold Bicycle Friendly Community of Minneapolis, Minnesota, demonstrate their investment into active transportation by regularly plowing bike lanes so that cyclists can safely get around even on the snowiest days. 

“Thanks to Minneapolis’ growing network of protected and plowed bike lanes, our family can continue to safely bike for transportation through our neighborhood and city in the winter,” shared Laura Mitchell, Board President of Our Streets and certified League Cycling Advocate. “For us, winter bike joy is about traveling in a way that allows us to notice and appreciate the changes of the season. Our kids love to listen to the sounds the snow and ice make under our studded tires, feel the snowflakes falling on our faces and see the tracks in the snow around us – imagining what person/vehicle/animal created the trail before we got there.”

Winter Biking as Resilience

Wherever you’re riding, winter biking can feel like an act of resilience and defiance. “It’s like… despite how cold it is and all these folks in their warm, toasty cars with seat heaters on, we’re still out here pedaling away and somehow having a good time doing it!” said one rider.  Another cyclist in our network offered the perspective of someone less charmed by winter conditions: “I never could quite understand why Northern Europe & Scandinavia utilize the bike so much when the weather sucks most of the year. Some kind of discipline!” 

Whether you enjoy the ride or see it more as “type two fun,” winter biking can remind us of our strength and determination in the face of challenges like icy roads and bitter winds. Plus, there’s a hidden bonus: trails are less crowded, offering peace and quiet along with a sense of solidarity with the few who venture out. “There’s a camaraderie in seeing other people braving the challenging weather,” shared a rider from Washington, D.C. 

Cool Weather, Warm Rides

Half the country might not even experience much snow and ice, making winter the perfect time to ride in warmer climates. Personally, I grew up in the mild winters of Alabama where cooler months brought much-needed relief from the heavy summer heat. For a lot of folks in the Southern U.S., winter is the optimal season for getting out there and exploring by bike.

Again, the key is knowing how to layer. As the old saying goes, there’s really “no bad weather, just bad clothing.” I’ve often heard the advice that you should start your rides feeling a little bit chilly, so you’ll be able to warm up without getting drenched in sweat by the end of the ride. The heat of cycling can be an enticing factor in itself — Alison, the League’s Education Director says, “What got me on my bike this cold winter morning was the thought of being warm!” And for e-bike users? Yes, batteries do drain faster in the cold, but the experience still brings joy and gets your blood pumping even if you don’t get as warm as you might on a traditional acoustic bike. Just don’t forget to bring your e-bike inside if it’s too cold — a temperature-controlled environment is ideal for longer battery life.

Long and Short-Term Rewards

For some, winter bike joy is all about looking forward to warmer days. “I love planning trips for next summer during the winter,” says Ally, the League’s Graphic Designer based in frosty Montana. Browsing cool gear and dreaming of spring can keep spirits high even on the coldest days. Our Education Coordinator Riley kept it real by saying short trips are their favorite way to find bike joy in Philadelphia winters: “Not biking anywhere more than 20 minutes away feels manageable and keeps it fun.”

And of course, there’s the immediate reward waiting at the end of every winter ride: warming up indoors with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or apple cider!

Winter biking isn’t everyone’s cup of tea—some riders, myself included, admit they’re still trying to find their winter bike joy—but for those who embrace it, the season offers a unique kind of magic. Whether you’re pedaling through snowbanks, cruising quieter trails, or just bundling up for a quick errand, winter biking proves that joy doesn’t take a season off.

What does winter bike joy mean to you? Share your stories and photos with us by writing to [email protected] — let’s celebrate the magic of riding in all seasons!