Originally Posted by
bluegoatwoods
I don't think I can add to the list. I've seen plenty of entries that, I agree, are hazardous.
I'll reiterate though, for those who aren't familiar with winter riding and are considering it, the hazard posed by drivers who don't expect to see a bicycle out there. The other hazards on this list, so far, are manageable for me.
But those drivers who actually panic, stomp on the brakes, and start sliding when they come around a curve or over a rise and see us frighten me more than anything else on this list.
And they're far more common than I'd have expected.
But don't let me dissuade anyone. Winter riding is still very rewarding. And it's not like those drivers come along every few seconds or anything like that.
Just be aware. And be even a bit more defensive than usual.
I can't recall specifically, but I presume snowplows were mentioned as a hazard. I recently replied to this thread,
“how do you deal with snow plows”
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
… On those snow days I ride major routes that are the first plowed, and are wide enough to allow us both to manuever. I always wear a rearview mirror to keep an eye out for them (also important for possibly skidding cars behind me)…
On one of the most hazardous winter days I have ever ridden, I accidentally knocked off my eyeglass-mounted rearview mirror. I spent about 45 minutes looking for it in the snow and could not find it. I very carefully rode the last 10 miles, going up slippery hills that even the cars could not negotiate, on my studded tires.
When I arrived at work about 45 minutes late, instead of receiving tough guy kudos for the ride, I was scolded because the secretary was worried that I had not shown up since usually I am the first to arrive, even in bad weather.