It has been a hard year for me on the cycling front, so it has been exciting to rediscover the joys of winter cycling.
Diane in her blue and white helmet and black ski jacket, with her red bicycle and another winter bike in the background. It’s a sunny day and the bikes are parked in the snow at a bike rack outside a school.
Pros:
It’s often faster than driving or transit, especially for shorter distances.
It doesn’t require a lot of special gear (though I do not regret investing in studded tires).
Even on a grey day, that little bit of fresh air and sunlight will boost my mood.
My neighbours think I’m a bit of a badass, which is hilarious. I’m easing back into riding, so most trips are under 2 km each way.
It’s an excuse to indulge my inner child and buy all the bike lights.
No bugs.
I don’t overheat.
Cons: none that don’t also apply to summer cycling.
Photos from previous winters, showing off the bike lights and beautiful winter weather.
In January I had planned on averaging 30 km a week on the bike. That quickly fell apart but I wasn’t worried. The real goal was consistency and I cycled more frequently than ever thanks to my tiny commute.
My recorded distance in 2024 was just over 700 km. I wanted to double that and hit 1,500.
As the year winds to a close I may hit 1,100 or not? I don’t care. I’m pleased at getting over 1,000 cycling kilometers in. It’s 45% more than last year. It felt easy and that was the goal. Yay!
A Strava screenshot showing my typical pattern of a spike of cycling in July. It also shows a year of cycling every month which is very new to me!
I do want to get more base training in before July. I want the MS Bike Tour to be easier and I think more time in the saddle will do that.
I’m tinkering with my commuter. There’s something amiss with my shifting.
I will continue to bike in winter when it makes sense. I’ve been humbled by the volume of snow and embracing kindness to myself.
I don’t need to prove anything and my commute needs to feel boring. I have quite a bit of anxiety in general on in office days so after one particularly rough ride in I realized it’s ok to walk in or get a lift.
This advice on using judgement was shared with my most experienced cycling friends. They applauded extra efforts but also shared they too are less ardent on cycling “no matter what” and more cycling when it makes sense.
So here’s to more bike rides and more distance in 2026!
If you’re in Ontario, and a cyclist, you’re aware of our provincial government’s war on bike lanes.
First, the Ford government passed a bill that gave the province sweeping control over municipal bike lanes. It was called Bill 212, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024.
An Ontario court ruled the government’s plan to remove protected bike lanes on Bloor Street, University Avenue, and Yonge Street in Toronto was unconstitutional. The court found the province’s plan to remove bike lanes would “put people at increased risk of harm and death, which engages the right to life and security of the person.” The province is appealing this ruling.
To top it off, the City of Guelph is now considering a 2026 budget that proposes cuts to active transportation, cycling, and trail projects, including the elimination of winter bike lane snow removal. See the Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation Call to Action here.
Many people normally commute by bike to school or work. However, they stop riding in November when snow and ice threaten. These days though, e-bike purchases are on the rise and winter is getting warmer. I think many people would keep riding if the conditions were right.
Some conditions are within our control. Nat and I have both bought winter bike tires. But other conditions–like safe bike lanes clear of snow– are a collective matter.
