Fishmonger

Six inches of snow and still coming down! I had a blast coming in this morning on farm roads, and only about 5 cars passed me in 8 miles. But I'm rethinking whether or not it was smart:
Should I do it again?

Here's my thought process:

Pros:
Fewer people drive, and those prefer the busier streets. When they do drive, they're generally going slower. Also, if I do get run off the road, at least I've got a bank of snow to fall into. And I don't have to scrape my car.

Cons:
The roads are narrower from the snow, so I'm usually in the road because the shoulder is covered. I'm afraid of getting hit as cars slide or can't brake in time.

How do you get over the fear? Or prevent accidents?

Leebo

Use a mirror, wear safety vest, run front and rear blinky lights day and night.

Fishmonger

Done.

bikenh

Not sure you can really get use to it. I had a fun day each of the past two days while out riding in the snow/freezing mist. I still get nervous when it comes to riding in the main travel lane versus the shoulder. Actually on the way home yesterday I rode most of it on the shoulder. I used it as a bit of a learning opportunity to teach me what to expect under different circumstances. It's amazing how 'safe' the roads are even when the weather is bad. Two years ago I wouldn't have even considered riding on a day like yesterday or today. Now I do it and it doesn't bother me at all. I won't say I'm use to it but I will say I understand the conditions better and as a result I realize the roads aren't as bad as you think they are most of the time during the winter months.

Learn to experiment with everything. Forget 99% of what you read. Go find out for yourself what works/is safe, etc. Expanding your horizons and trying out new things/conditions is the only way to do it.

linus

A mirror won't do a thing. Everything else +1.

rumrunn6

too many variables to oversimplify it

mr geeker

the only way to get over a fear is to face it. i hate riding over bridges, but i do it anyway.

Hezz

Sure it will. Not for the cars but for you. If you see a car on a narrow road behind you sliding out of control you may have time to ride into the ditch and miss it. Or move out of the way for an unsafe driver before they run you off the road.