Winter Cycling 2014

by Eric Rempel

The windchill is -40 C. I just got back from running a few errands. I did the necessary running around, fourteen kilometres in all today, with my bicycle. This is what I have typically done throughout December and January.

I have lost track of the number of people who have greeted me at my destination with, “You didn't bike here today!?” to which I have replied, “Of course, why shouldn't I?” And I make the point that, of course, Manitoba's winter climate is challenging, but we have the clothing for it. If we are cold during the Manitoba winter, it is not because the weather is cold, it is because we are not dressed for it!

Five years ago I retired from employment. The day I retired I vowed [to myself only] that I would not move between two points within Steinbach using a car, twelve months of the year. The exceptions to this are  if the load is too big for the bike, or if the weather is too bad. And I've stuck with this. My only regret is that I did not make that vow years earlier.

The only time I've been cold is when I have not anticipated the weather correctly before leaving the house -- and have dressed in-appropriately. I have no special cycling gear. Dressing appropriately for me when the wind chill is -45 C is a warm woollen scarf covering most of my face, a toque, a regular ski jacket, and warm (but not super-warm) boots and mitts. Were I to cycle a longer distance, I would need warmer boots and mitts. I always arrive at my destination toasty warm. Exercise has a way of warming the body.

So far this winter I have wiped out once. But I assure you that wiping out on a snow-packed street is much gentler on the body than wiping out on gravel or concrete. Furthermore, the layer of clothing I  wear in winter softens the fall. Studded tires on my bike increase traction. Statistics from Finland, where 25% of all winter journeys are by bike, indicate that there are no more cycling accidents in winter than in summer.

And my bicycle? Nothing special – a $45 thrift store purchase.

But cycling in Steinbach in winter can be lonely. When I cycle, I usually see a few other bicycle tracks in the snow, and occasionally an actual bicycle, but it is clear Steinbachers do not believe in winter cycling. They continue to cling to their auto addiction. Fortunately for the planet (and also for Steinbach) there is a growing world awareness that we need to break our addiction to the auto, and that the bicycle is the best alternative to the auto in many situations.

In fact an international group of winter cycling enthusiasts are meeting in Winnipeg February 12--14 for the second annual World Winter Cycling Congress. This is not a sports event. This is a serious congress bringing together people to talk about how we can promote active transpiration (cycling) in winter cities. Finland, Noway, Sweden and Denmark will be well represented. I'll be there. Anybody joining me?