Originally Posted by paperbackbiker

So, I've not yet had a run in with a plow guy, but I'm wondering if anyone has. What do most people do when a plow comes up behind you, either plowing snow or spreading salt?...

Originally Posted by DX Rider

How do you handle approaching snow plows.

I was just curious how other people approach the situation...

Originally Posted by buzzman

I was thinking of starting a similar thread [Safety and Winter Cycling] so I'm glad to see someone else is pondering this issue as well…

I have been riding a bike for transportation purposes in New England winters for almost 40 years now. A few things I've observed during that time:…

#4) In really bad conditions the only motorized vehicles on the road will be snowplows, emergency vehicles and people in cars who are too stupid to stay home. That means that the bicyclist must be prepared to take evasive maneuvers and ride with extreme caution when in the proximity of any motorized vehicle during the winter.

#5) Snowplow drivers are super dangerous. Don't mess with them. They have often been driving the plow in horrible conditions without sleep for 24-48 hours and are soused in coffee and possibly worse and they may not be able to discern whether your reflectorized vest and blinkie is an alien spacecraft landing or the beginning of a migraine headache but the last thing they'll expect it to be is a bicyclist.

#6) Take the lane and be visible. Drivers often hop into their car after having scraped a small 4" diameter circle in the ice on their windshield and soon the interior of their car windows are fogged to such a degree to turn all drivers into Mr. Magoo. But be prepared to give way when necessary or to take alternatives that will not put you in the way of too many cars. A plowed MUP can be a healthy alternative to the road…

#10) Winter cyclists are definitely marching to the beat of a different drummer.