Commuting - Wind

From a safety point of view (not impact to effort/speed) and while riding in traffic what is the top wind speed and/or wind gust speed that is safe to ride in for an 'experienced wind gust rider' and an 'average' rider? I specifically call out cycling in traffic as the consequces of being blown off track are more severe in traffic than say on a remote bike path.

I guess what I am saying is that if the forcast is for wind gusts up to 30mph (for example) would you go on your normal commute. At what forcast level would you not?

Al

I live in Kansas if they say tornado watch ur ok but warning means there's one on the ground.

If the wind was making me weave i would take the whole lane or get on the sidewalk.

30 MPH wind is real common here that is why i would have to stick with my tornado warning answer.

I live in Kansas if they say tornado watch ur ok but warning means there's one on the ground.

If the wind was making me weave i would take the whole lane or get on the sidewalk.

30 MPH wind is real common here that is why i would have to stick with my tornado warning answer.
yeah, yesterday was 25mph steady wind (I had to both ride into it, yuck, and with it, fun), but no problem otherwise. Its the gusts that more concern me. We are gonna get into storm season here and just was thinking out loud about if I need to pay attention to wind forcast.

Of course if I get caught in wind that is dangerously gusty I would do as you say, get away from road, or even stop and catch bus.

Again I was more just wondering if perhaps there were some guidelines about wind to avoid.

But I guess the obvious is that when it happens I will learn and no matter what will have a safe way out (stop riding) if it is too bad.

Al

From a safety point of view (not impact to effort/speed) and while riding in traffic what is the top wind speed and/or wind gust speed that is safe to ride in for an 'experienced wind gust rider' and an 'average' rider? I specifically call out cycling in traffic as the consequces of being blown off track are more severe in traffic than say on a remote bike path.

I guess what I am saying is that if the forcast is for wind gusts up to 30mph (for example) would you go on your normal commute. At what forcast level would you not?

Al

I would say that if it doesn't knock me over or pick me up, it's fine to ride. Being able to hold your line always means making minute compensations for wind, road surface, and other vehicles. You just have to work harder in the wind, that's all.

In the end though, it's up to you to determine your comfort zone. Ride your own ride.

I specifically call out cycling in traffic as the consequces of being blown off track are more severe in traffic than say on a remote bike path.

I guess what I am saying is that if the forcast is for wind gusts up to 30mph (for example) would you go on your normal commute. At what forcast level would you not?

I rode quite happily in 130km/h earlier this year in traffic. However, it's difficult to determine, because heavy traffic (I'm talking gridlock here) offers considerable protection from the wind, so even though the wind in open areas was officially clocked at 130km/h, when I was lane splitting with cars all around me to block it, it would have been considerably less.

Oh yeah, we also got 10 inches of rain in five hours that day too.

Being a wind hater myself, and having no choice but to ride with or into or have it as a cross wind, I have come to understand wind as a "necessary evil." The only place a gust caught me by surprize was in downtown Minneapolis, where the wind whips around the buildings, and into the streets. In an intersection I got blasted. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. Ever since on those windy days I am leery in the intersections. Out on the bike path I don't have a problem with the gusts, and it's been blowing pretty hard and steady around here lately.
One last word of advice, that I've found true. Wind is difficult for an acurate forecast. I have yet to find a source that actually is spot on, so take your forecasts with a grain of salt, and consider more than one source, although many of them just rebroadcast the stuff NOAA puts out.

Hate to bring this back up, but man this is some wind out here lately. It's almost like we should have a forum just for it, or extreme weather. Friday or Saturday I rode in the most awesome of wind, 30 mph gusts. Then on the commute to work today another wind at my back and crossing my path, helped me get to work in great time, I also changed the gearing on the fixed gear, and tires.
After three plus years of commuting in all sorts of weather, and disliking wind the most, I'm starting to like it a little. When it's at its worst I just think of how I could be in the safety of a steel cage. Helps to get those legs turning in anger.

Maybe I should wear a T-shirt: "I cycled through Newfoundland and loved it". And lived through it too.
How about scraping a pedal while riding in a straight line? That was because the crosswind was so strong.

Basically, it's the gusts that are a problem, not the wind per se.

I'm going to be whining tomorrow, the wind is going to be fierce out of the NW, they are predicting gusts as high as 40mph. I have got to ride tomorrow, just to say I did it. Bragging rights don't you know?

Naisme, you have me to thank for the winds for and against you, as it is always coming straight into my face, when I ride. The weather report in Mpls should have a section about where I'm going to ride, and when.

We have a Wind Advisory in Chicago today. 20 to 30 mph gusting to 40. The temp will be in the low 60's dropping to 50's by my reverse commute at 3pm. I will likely be riding hard just to hold my position on the way into the city.

The nice part of a day like this is that no matter what I have for dinner it will taste great, if it is hot. Hunger is the best sauce.

tom o.

Well, the wind didn't prevail, and it didn't gust more than 28, at least that's what NOAA's site claims. But a good steady westerly wind at 20-23 mph was a pretty good stiff wind. I decided to ride the single speed for lightness, speed, and coastability, figured I'd have some coasting in the wind if I got whipped. My over all for 17 miles 16.4, those areobars and clipless pedals really help. I almost made it harder by throwing on a 15 cog, instead of the normal 17. That 17 with the 53 engagement ring, and a 20 mile head wind, I was doing some awesome hill climbing!
The ride home ought to be just as fun with the wind at my back! Need the push after a day like this.

I absolutely hate riding into the wind, especially just now that I'm getting back on the bike after 2 years away from riding. Once I get more strength back in my legs it won't be as bad.

if ya don't get knocked over when ya go out the damn door then it ain't too windy.

snip: if ya don't get knocked over when ya go out the damn door then it ain't too windy

And if you can do it in Dallas (the second windiest city in the country) then we in Chicago should be able to handle our meager wind conditions.
he he he

tom o.

I don't think anyone even said anything about the wind on sat night. Must have died down, or we were too drunk to notice.