Safety and Education Committee Report - Archive

Preparing for Rain

May is bike to work month and if you commute by bicycle you will ride in the rain. “There is no bad weather, only improper clothing.” Very few bicyclists enjoy wet weather but with proper preparation; rain can become just an inconvenience. Safely riding in the rain is possible when you are properly prepared.

I rode the 2006 Seacoast Century on Saturday (in the rain). Upon completion, my riding companion said, “That was fun”. Obviously we were wearing the proper clothing.

The breathable fabric works pretty well but no raingear can keep you completely dry, however it will keep you warm. When it rains the humidity is 100% and you are exercising so you will perspire. Your clothes will become damp with sweat but on short (less than 1 hour) commutes you shouldn’t saturate you clothes and feel wet. My damp clothing is warm when wet (I avoid cotton) and it dries quickly. I can usually work in the clothes that I wore riding in. If you must change for work, the riding clothes should be dry for the ride home.

Years ago I paid $300 for some Gore-Tex raingear. The material is quite stiff, with the zip-vents and reflectors there is no doubt this is bicycling raingear. The latest breathable raingear is more compliant and less conspicuous. You can wear the jacket as regular street clothing and most people will never notice. Pants and a jacket are available for less than $100 (a lot less @ Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, etc.). Adding a reflective vest to this equipment will make it safe for bicycling and also be good for non-cycling activities.

Waterproof gloves are easily obtained. My hands get cold easily and large waterproof mitten shells with removable fleece liners have proven the best answer for me. The removable liners are easy to dry when wet and may be replaced with one suitable for the outside temperature.

Finding proper footwear is problematic. Very few stores carry suitable overshoes. I have 10” rubber boots that I bought on-line ($17, Gempler’s). My expensive ($40) neoprene booties protect against the cold but may not be waterproof (my previous pair weren’t). My waterproof overshoes are easier to put on and are more durable than neoprene.

Commuting on a bicycle is cost effective for most people living less than 15 miles from work. For me, 25 mi/day takes 20 extra minutes and saves the equivalent of $60/hr before taxes. How many hours (and @ what rate?) do you work to support a car @ $.55/mile (AAA) and how much commuting time do you save using it? On rainy days, I often get to work drier than many of the people walking from their cars. You can buy some really nice raingear for the price of a couple of tanks of gas and I still have my Gore-Tex.

If you commute by bicycle you can have some really nice gear for “free” instead of dumping the money into a moving hole in the road (your car). You’ll also get some exercise and more time on your bike.

Bill Fisk- Safety and Education

Safety and Education Coordinator