this post was submitted on 09 Feb 2024
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When I'm doing sport, I don't mind getting sweaty, when I'm cycling to work I definitely do. And that's the only alternative to being cold when cycling in extreme weather. I mean, I do it too, but I can certainly understand why some people don't like it (though the main reason is that it's not worth it to drive that short a distance - if it was further, I absolutely would. It's just so much more comfortable and convenient).
Anyways, the biggest issue isn't even that - it's ice on the road. That's hella dangerous if you're cycling.
Full disclosure: I'm using an e-bike, so I'm not even really exerting myself. I'm wearing enough layers to keep me warm as if I were standing still in a 20mph wind.
I admit, dressing for a decently long and/or faster-paced ride on an acoustic bike takes a little bit more consideration and planning. Still, lots and lots of people commute on acoustic bikes in street clothes, and make it work simply by not being in such a hurry that it turns into a fitness ride.
Also, where I live it's either wet or cold, but almost never both at the same time (and the rare times when it is, the whole city shuts down because we have no plows). There's just enough frost from the dew point to screw up people's car windshields and make the grass crunchy, but no ice stuck to the street.
Yeah I live in the Alps, so it isn't that easy here. We get quite a lot of icy roads in winter.