Cycling in Winter: Tips for Safe Cycling in Snow, Cold, and Ice
When temperatures drop, many people store their bikes in the basement for the winter. But cycling in winter isn’t just possible—it’s also good for your health. But is it safe to ride a bike in winter? Whether it’s your daily commute to work, a leisurely winter bike ride, or even a multi-day cycling trip: With the right tips for winter cycling, nothing stands in the way of enjoying your bike even during the cold season.
Is cycling in the winter good for your health?
Many people avoid biking in the winter for fear of catching a cold—but the opposite is actually true. Biking in the snow or in sub-zero temperatures is good for your health! That’s because biking in cold temperatures naturally strengthens the immune system: The regular alternation between the cold outside and the warmth inside toughens up the body—much like a visit to the sauna.
People who cycle regularly during the day in winter also get a healthy dose of sunlight. This boosts vitamin D production and helps prevent the dreaded winter blues. Studies show that exercising outdoors can significantly reduce the risk of seasonal depression.
Another aspect that’s often underestimated: When you ride a bike in cold weather, you’re actually not exposed to any viral load. Compared to riding the bus or train, you avoid close contact with fellow passengers who are coughing and sneezing. That’s a real plus, especially during cold and flu season.
Winterizing Your Bike: The Comprehensive Winter Checkup
Before you head out for a bike ride in icy conditions and sub-zero temperatures, however, remember: Safety First! Making sure your bike is winter-ready is essential for staying safe on the road in snow and ice. But don’t worry—we’ve got a handy checklist for you. Here’s how to get your bike ready for winter:
Tires: Important for traction when biking in snow and on black ice
Of course, the risk of slipping is high, especially on black ice or snow. That’s why having the right tires is especially important in winter. Modern bicycle tires are generally suitable for all weather conditions. However, if you’re riding in regions with particularly heavy snowfall, it’s definitely worth switching to special winter bicycle tires. Thanks to their deeper tread and softer rubber compound, these tires offer significantly more traction on wet and slushy roads. Unlike with cars, however, winter tires for bicycles aren’t required by law in Germany.
For the perfect bike for snowy conditions, studded tires are the best choice. They turn your bike into a true snow bike for icy roads. By the way, studded tires are permitted for bicycles in Germany. However, you should switch back to regular tires as soon as the snow and ice melt, because the studs will cause the bike to slip on asphalt. Alternatively, you can lower the tire pressure by about 0.5 bar. This increases the contact area and improves traction.
Lighting: See and Be Seen
People who ride bikes in the winter are often out on the road in the dark. Before every ride, check to make sure your front and rear lights are working. Modern LED lights with a parking light function are especially recommended.
Brakes: A Must for Safe Driving
Condensation in the brake lines can freeze in cold weather and impair braking performance while cycling. When winterizing your bike, you should therefore be sure to check the brake lines and, if necessary, have them inspected at a specialized bike shop.
Care: Heavy Use in Winter
Road salt is a bicycle's worst enemy in winter. It corrodes metal parts, the chain, and the derailleur. Clean your bike regularly and oil the chain to keep it running smoothly all winter long.
When riding an e-bike in winter, the battery deserves special attention. In cold weather, battery performance can drop by up to 50 percent.
Top Tips:
- Never charge at temperatures below 10 °C: Allow the battery to acclimate to room temperature for at least 2 hours.
- Keep the battery in a warm place overnight: That way, it'll start up at full power in the morning.
- Use a thermal cover: The cover protects against cold, moisture, and road salt.
- Drive gently: Anticipatory acceleration and braking help conserve battery power.
You can find more tips in our blog post on how to properly care for your e-bike battery in the winter.
Can you ride a bike in the snow during winter? Legal Situation
Is cycling in the snow prohibited? There is no law in Germany that prohibits cycling in the snow. Just as in the summer, the rules of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) apply:
- Requirement to Use Bike Lanes: If a bike lane is not safe to use due to snow, ice, or fallen leaves, the requirement to use it does not apply. In this case, you may ride on the roadway instead.
- Winter Tire Requirement: There is no mandatory winter tire requirement for bicycles in Germany. The situational winter tire requirement under Section 2(3a) of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) applies explicitly only to motor vehicles. This means you may ride your bicycle with summer tires even in snow, although suitable winter tires are recommended for safety reasons.
Driving Techniques in Snow, Ice, and Slippery Conditions
The right technique can help you ride a bike in the snow. By following a few simple rules, you can avoid falls.
Black Ice: How to Get Through Winter on Your Bike Without Slipping and Sliding
Cycling on black ice requires extra caution. Try to avoid icy paths as much as possible. If you do end up on an icy surface, don’t steer or brake—it’s better to let the bike coast and maintain your balance. If you’re riding in an area with many icy paths, the safest way to ride on ice is with studded tires.
Braking: gently and with foresight
When riding a bike in sub-zero temperatures, you should primarily use the rear brake. If the rear wheel locks up, you can still control the bike. A locked-up front wheel, on the other hand, often leads to a fall. As a general rule, it’s better to brake early and gently than to brake abruptly.
Turns: Let your feet move freely
When cycling in freezing conditions, don’t pedal or brake in curves. Slow down before the curve and then coast through it at a steady speed. Remember to reduce your speed well before the curve and maintain a greater following distance. Your stopping distance can increase significantly on slippery surfaces.
The Right Clothing: Warm and Visible
For comfortable cycling in cold weather, the right clothing is just as important as a winter-ready bike:
- The layering principle: Several thin layers are better than one thick jacket. This allows you to adapt flexibly to changes in temperature and physical exertion.
- Protect your extremities: Your hands, feet, and head lose heat the fastest. Warm, windproof gloves, a hat under your helmet, and waterproof overshoes are essential when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Visibility: In poor visibility conditions, bright, reflective clothing is a must. Additional reflectors on your jacket or backpack, or a high-visibility vest, increase your visibility and thus your safety.
Stay Safe Through the Winter on Your Company Bike
A bike in perfect working order is therefore essential if you want to ride safely in the winter. If buying outright isn’t an option, bike leasing through eurorad can be an attractive alternative. This way, you can ride a current model equipped with the latest technology—from reliable brakes to bright LED lights and high-performance batteries.
Your benefit: Maintenance included
Depending on the insurance package, UVV inspections (accident prevention regulations) or even full inspections may already be included:
- Basic & Premium: UVV inspection after the 1st and 2nd years of the lease (up to €30)
- PremiumPLUS: Inspection, including UVV compliance check, after the 1st and 2nd years of the lease (up to €90)
In addition, starting with the Premium package, the cost of wear-and-tear parts such as brakes, tires, and chains is covered 100 percent from day one — with no deductible. With over 5,000 authorized dealers throughout Germany, you’ll always find a partner near you who can get your bike ready for winter.
