By Lindsey Cole
Black ice, freezing rain, and slush are just some of the things that plague Ottawa drivers every winter.
Driving in Ottawa in the winter is one thing, but cycling is another.
As a result, many bike shops in Centretown are gearing up for winter, as biking enthusiasts prepare to brave the cold and cycle all year round.
Tim Moore, a bike mechanic at Foster’s Sports Centre, is an avid winter cyclist. The store, he says, services about four to five bikes per week, to prepare them for the rough Ottawa winters.
Moore says they typically put on new tires, fix the tubes and adjust the brakes.
Foster’s also sells special single speed bikes to people who only want to bike in the winter. This gives cyclists a “no fuss, no mess, no maintenance,” type of bike.
He says that winter cycling seems to be on the rise this year as more people are cycling for the exercise and because of the rising gas prices.
“Ottawa, in terms of the streets being plowed, is very well suited for it,” he says.
Moore bikes every day in the winter and has this advice: “Dress warm and make sure your brakes work.”
Bert Miner, owner of Bert’s Bike Repairs, says he has been cycling almost all of his life.
He says he bikes in the winter because it keeps him healthy.
“I am not getting any younger and it’s good for you. I enjoy it,” he says.
He says it is actually safer to bike in the winter.
“If you fall and wipe out in the winter you usually have ice and snow to break your fall.”
He says the increase in winter cycling is not only because people want exercise.
“They’re bored of staying in the house and they don’t want to rely on OC Transpo,” he says.
Miner winterizes up to 10 bikes per week. He even accommodates some of the bikes with special studs, for more traction on the ice and snow.
Kayo Yoshida, a Carleton University student who frequently cycles in the winter, says she rides in the winter mainly for exercise and out of necessity.
Since the weather has been mild, she says, she hasn’t had to prepare her bike for winter.
“Compared to Montreal or Toronto, I can see that more people enjoy cycling here,” she adds.
Moore thinks this is because Ottawa is a very bike friendly town.
“I find most of the drivers tolerant of having cyclists on the road,” he says. “You get the few honking horns but most of the drivers are tolerant.”
Despite some angry drivers and slushy puddles, many cyclists agree that biking in the winter is a great way to exercise, though the freezing rain and black ice can be a little challenging.