Author Topic: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter  (Read 15065 times)

ca-rn

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #50 on: November 04, 2021, 10:27:09 AM »
Rode my bike 3 miles each way to pick up a package in the RAIN!

Got to try out new bike poncho from Cleverhood purchased last year, my legs still got a bit wet (poncho kept creeping above midthigh) but was otherwise pretty good, can't wait to try it out again! 

Face got wet too but the brim helped deflect more rain than the regular hoodie I used last year.  And toggles cinch the hood in place and increases side vision.
@ca-rn thats so funny you mention this poncho, DH wants one since his ‘rain coat’ has become un-waterproof with time, and he will be mostly bike commuting this winter too. Sounds like you’d recommend?

Also, I think I’m on hiatus from the challenge for now. Have been in and out of prodromal labor for the last week and a half, it’s getting reeeeeeeal old. Though for the most part this just means I’m not going anywhere, so still not commuting by car lol.

Yes, I like the Cleverhood a lot- a much better improvement to the water resistant hoodie I was wearing before. 

Re- wet legs.  I just realized I didn't use the thumb loops (ack!) to make a protective cover for the legs. 

Anyways, its the Rover poncho.  Bright, lightweight and packs compactly.   I don't need a heavyweight one (their original) as its doesn't get super cold here.

And @Britan, congrats and smart to take it easy and rest :)

lifeandlimb

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #51 on: November 04, 2021, 12:32:12 PM »
Thanks @ca-rn , I was gifted a percussion massager recently and found it is the only thing that makes the feeling go away! However, preventative measures would be even better. I've been changing the angle and forwardness of my seat, which helps a little, but you know I bet the eating/electrolytes has something to do with it, too. I usually feel it worst when I'm leaving work late, having basically skipped dinner.

change_seeker

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #52 on: November 08, 2021, 05:14:52 PM »
So I'm going to identify "winter" as starting October 18 because that's when my spreadsheet started.  While working from home does have the same $ savings, I am going to attempt to bike > 50% as I really want to get back in bike-shape.  I was pretty sedentary all summer due to a ruptured Achilles, and I really want to be able to keep up with my 14yo son next spring!

DateTo: Elapsed TimeFrom: Elapsed TimeTotal TimeTo: DistanceFrom: DistanceDistanceFuel Cost Saved
MinutesMinutesMinutesMilesMilesMilesUSD
10/19/202145459017.512.530$4.80
10/21/2021455510017.517.535$5.60
10/26/202145459017.512.530$4.80
10/27/2021427111317.517.635.1$5.62
10/28/20214012016017.51835.5$5.68
11/2/202160451051813.131.1$4.98
11/8/2021404017.517.5$2.80
« Last Edit: November 08, 2021, 05:17:42 PM by change_seeker »

Askel

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #53 on: November 09, 2021, 06:32:19 AM »
Well, I'm at 100% for now, but it sorta feels like cheating. After some wintry weather last week it's been creeping into the high fifties and even sixties all this week.  I've been out racking up some adventure commuting miles like you just told the alcoholic it was last call at the bar.   

Also enjoying that the time change puts my morning commute back in sync with sunrise.



change_seeker

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #54 on: November 09, 2021, 10:59:39 AM »
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I got hit by a big brown truck on my commute home.  I'll take it easy for a few days.

dandarc

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #55 on: November 09, 2021, 11:04:24 AM »
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I got hit by a big brown truck on my commute home.  I'll take it easy for a few days.
You OK?

Askel

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #56 on: November 09, 2021, 11:06:06 AM »
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I got hit by a big brown truck on my commute home.  I'll take it easy for a few days.

What?!  Hope there wasn't any significant injury! 

change_seeker

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #57 on: November 09, 2021, 01:08:17 PM »
Bike and rider both seem to be OK.  We will see how I feel a few days from now.  Drove in just to be safe.

maisymouser

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #58 on: November 09, 2021, 01:19:26 PM »
Bike and rider both seem to be OK.  We will see how I feel a few days from now.  Drove in just to be safe.

So I totally understand if you don't want to re-live the experience, but a thought I often have (and often dismiss) during my bike rides is "what would it be like if someone hit me with their vehicle?"

How fast was the truck going when you got hit, and from what side? Eesh, this gives me the squirms. I biked in today but am a bit fearful of being hit by a car. It only takes one driver who is not paying attention/not courteous about the rules of the road...

maisymouser

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #59 on: November 09, 2021, 01:31:22 PM »
Updating my stats, now that I've saved a nice little Excel tracker on my computer. I'm at 44% when I include days spent home... but it's COLD out there in the mornings. And I am a lazy bum!

Askel

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #60 on: November 10, 2021, 06:51:15 AM »
Bike and rider both seem to be OK.  We will see how I feel a few days from now.  Drove in just to be safe.

Good to hear, hope can get back on the bike soon. 


erutio

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #61 on: November 10, 2021, 02:21:38 PM »
Happy Veterans Day everyone!

Because of the holiday, my work week is shortened and I done with my commuting days this week.  Wishing everyone safe riding!

Week   Bike days/Work days
11/8    3/3

Kmp2

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #62 on: November 13, 2021, 04:35:07 PM »
I'm in, I can often bike one way and take the train (with my bike) the other way... and I have night classes at the moment, so no cold mornings to deal with!

So far I don't even have my studs on, it's been a fabulous fall where I live!

Askel

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #63 on: November 15, 2021, 06:02:10 AM »
Seems the local religious holiday (opening week of firearm deer season) is a boon to bike commuting.  Very light traffic, and what was out there seemed a bit more relaxed.  Heck, even the plow guys were out early gettin' it done so they can spend the rest of the day in the deer blind.   

Also, first commute on the studded tires. I guess it's winter.  Still maintaining 100% (over 7 days). 

lifeandlimb

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #64 on: November 15, 2021, 09:18:36 AM »
Commuted 100% last week on bike, but I only had to go in one day, so it wasn't much. I'm loving the crisp 40 degree temps where I am, although I forgot to wear my biking hat the other day, and my ears began to ache.

I'm feeling thankful for the winter gloves I got last year. They still work well, especially when I remember to pull my jacket sleeves fully over the wrists. That really locks the heat in.

I hope everyone is staying safe and warm out there.

turketron

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #65 on: November 16, 2021, 10:35:26 AM »
I'm down for this challenge!  At least in spirit, if not in reality, for a couple of reasons- one, my office hasn't currently reopened yet and we're still entirely WFH. Two, I will be off for 3 months of parental leave starting at the beginning of February.

So this all kind of limits my participation in this but I definitely am on board with the spirit of it! If/when I am able to go into the office this winter (there are some rumors they'll be allowing voluntary reoccupancy later this month) I'll shoot for at least 50% of those days to be by bike. We only have one car and my wife is currently on her parental leave so I won't have the option/convenience of taking the car, so the choice for me will be deciding between WFH, bus, or bike. I have about a 4 mile bike ride almost entirely on a bike path that I know does get plowed in the winter, so I don't have a huge excuse not to.

My office opened today for voluntary use, and I biked in this morning! I didn't bike a ton this summer so it was a little slow going. It was about 35 F and I was sweating a good bit by the end- I think I can get away with a thinner layer under my jacket. I had a hoodie underneath and could probably get away with just a long sleeve t-shirt instead. My hands were fine but I was wearing pretty thin gloves, I think I'll need to get a thicker pair before it gets too much colder.

I also realized I'm going to need to modify my route - I'm used to biking along one of the lakes and taking a bike elevator up the hill to my office, but the stretch along the lake was brutal because of the wind screaming across the lake; it was both super cold and hard to bike into. I think I'll just take the road up the hill instead!

Askel

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #66 on: November 16, 2021, 07:23:48 PM »
So what are folks doing for eye protection?   

The rain/sleet/snow mix of the fall season makes for some painful precipitation when it hits your eyeballs.   Unfortunately, I face an uphill both ways on my commute that has me a sweaty mess for the last half of my ride when temps are in the thirties and I'm bombing downhill to my final destination. I've found good quality safety glasses can get me through the real low thirties and below- but above that they fog up pretty easily and that's when we see stuff like ice pellets and big fat snow flakes falling from the sky.   

roomtempmayo

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #67 on: November 16, 2021, 08:13:55 PM »
So what are folks doing for eye protection?   

The rain/sleet/snow mix of the fall season makes for some painful precipitation when it hits your eyeballs.   Unfortunately, I face an uphill both ways on my commute that has me a sweaty mess for the last half of my ride when temps are in the thirties and I'm bombing downhill to my final destination. I've found good quality safety glasses can get me through the real low thirties and below- but above that they fog up pretty easily and that's when we see stuff like ice pellets and big fat snow flakes falling from the sky.   

I find this time of year really hard to dress for with lows in the 20s and 30s, and then highs in the 30s, 40s, or 50s.

In the actual winter, I wear a downhill ski helmet with goggles and clear lenses.

In the summer, I wear sunglasses.

At this time of year, I honestly just wear nothing on my eyes, but I'm on a separate path for 95% of my ride.  Not ideal, but this weather doesn't last too long for us. 

After Thanksgiving, I anticipate being back to the full winter getup with boots, goggles, ski gloves, and studs.  I find temps that remain consistently well below freezing to be far easier than the freeze-thaw cycle.

NaN

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #68 on: November 19, 2021, 04:09:34 PM »
I biked one day this week to my bus I take to work. Felt great.

Arbitrage

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #69 on: November 22, 2021, 11:28:19 AM »
Out of town for a week, but other than that:

Date rangeMiles bikedMiles driven
10/27-10/31    20    0
11/1-11/21    63    6
Total    83    6

Britan

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #70 on: November 22, 2021, 05:47:28 PM »
Woo hoo! Had my baby a little over two weeks ago. Doctor cleared me today to ride a bike again as long as it feels comfortable, and not to overdo it, which on an e-bike should be easy. Let’s just say this kid was, er, much easier on me than the last one.

Of course, daycare is out all this week, and my dad will likely do daycare pickups for a week, so it may be one or two weeks till I have a real ride again, but that’s ok. I’m just itching to get outside while the weather is still somewhat forgiving.

Kmp2

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #71 on: November 23, 2021, 10:51:08 AM »
Congratulations Britan! Enjoy your bike time :)

I biked 3/4 days last week (bailed and took transit the one snowy, wind gusts above 100km/h day!).
Today I'll like train one way and ride home, as I'm pretty run down a need to recoup.

I wear my regular glasses all winter, with a tricky amount of duck down and warm up my face in my oversized cowl and pop up before I start fogging up. The main difficulty I face is if my face is really warm the heat and moisture condenses and freezes to my glasses when I'm stopped at stoplights. Since I'll be riding farther this winter I'll probably have to wear contacts and then I can wear a balaclava :)... but a ski helmet and goggles would be nice.

turketron

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #72 on: November 24, 2021, 10:34:05 AM »
I'm 5 for 5 on biking in! It's been great so far, depending on the day the temperatures have been pretty reasonable, in the low 30s and 40s F mostly.

I do know I'll need to bundle up a bit more once it's regularly below freezing. I was talking to a coworker yesterday who used to bike in the winter (he moved right onto a main the bus line so he takes that instead now) who had some good tips for once it gets colder. He also has a pair of bar mitts I may buy off him, which should work well instead of getting warmer gloves. He highly recommended some ski goggles as well. I'll need some sort of face covering as well- there was one really really windy day so I just wore my cloth COVID mask which was better than nothing, but I do have a neck gaiter somewhere that I need to find.


change_seeker

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #73 on: November 24, 2021, 11:31:01 AM »
While my non-drive percentage is good, I do want to get my bike percentage over 50%.

Britan

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #74 on: November 24, 2021, 11:50:28 AM »
First real trip yesterday … and I drove. A mile to the library. DH had the bike. I could have walked, but it was windy, I was with my toddler, and didn’t want to leave the baby with grandpa for more than 2 hours so I could be back in time to feed him. That’s my excuse. :p

change_seeker

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #75 on: November 24, 2021, 11:52:36 AM »
First real trip yesterday … and I drove. A mile to the library. DH had the bike. I could have walked, but it was windy, I was with my toddler, and didn’t want to leave the baby with grandpa for more than 2 hours so I could be back in time to feed him. That’s my excuse. :p

that is a valid excuse!

Askel

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #76 on: November 30, 2021, 06:32:51 AM »
19 working days so far, only used my car once so just under 95%.  Still haven't gotten into real winter here yet- mostly just a lot of slop that occasionally freezes solid into a sheet of rutted up ice. Got caught out by that last week and went down. Only my ego was bruised in the incident.   


Britan

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #77 on: November 30, 2021, 01:06:24 PM »
Sigh. Second real outing, and I’m driving. DH has the bike with the child seat, so I’m driving to get my son to daycare. Though DH biked him in to daycare. That counts for something, right? Lol.
We’re working on having two bikes that we each can use for all trips, but necessary stuff has yet to be delivered.

ca-rn

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #78 on: November 30, 2021, 03:36:45 PM »
Woo hoo! Had my baby a little over two weeks ago. Doctor cleared me today to ride a bike again as long as it feels comfortable, and not to overdo it, which on an e-bike should be easy. Let’s just say this kid was, er, much easier on me than the last one.

Of course, daycare is out all this week, and my dad will likely do daycare pickups for a week, so it may be one or two weeks till I have a real ride again, but that’s ok. I’m just itching to get outside while the weather is still somewhat forgiving.

Congrat Britan! 

Askel

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #79 on: November 30, 2021, 05:03:27 PM »
Oh, hey- missed that. Congrats indeed @Britan

And be careful on this multiple bike household thing.  My wife and I have a deal where we get to take turns buying bikes. She buys a bike, I get to buy a bike.  I buy a bike, she gets to buy a bike.   


We have 10 now, not counting the tandem.   

Kmp2

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #80 on: November 30, 2021, 10:00:41 PM »
Oh, hey- missed that. Congrats indeed @Britan

And be careful on this multiple bike household thing.  My wife and I have a deal where we get to take turns buying bikes. She buys a bike, I get to buy a bike.  I buy a bike, she gets to buy a bike.   


We have 10 now, not counting the tandem.

Haha, this deal would not suit me, DH only has one that he uses for everything... I'm the one with several bikes - one for every occasion!

I loved having 2 bikes that could carry kids (and only 1 car with car seats that could), we biked (and still bike) our kids alot because of that :)


2 days down, 2 days biked!  of the 20 trips I've biked 17... but we also haven't had any real winter yet, this fall has been outstanding, just a few days under zero we maybe hit -5c.
Tomorrow is one of those wierd days where we'll hit the high of +14C from 4-6am... and then it cools down throughout the rest of the day. Living in the shadow of mountains means you can bike to work in shorts, but need a winter coat to bike home!

Britan

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #81 on: December 01, 2021, 04:50:27 AM »
Oh, hey- missed that. Congrats indeed @Britan

And be careful on this multiple bike household thing.  My wife and I have a deal where we get to take turns buying bikes. She buys a bike, I get to buy a bike.  I buy a bike, she gets to buy a bike.   


We have 10 now, not counting the tandem.
Hah that may be us one day.
Though for now we have a 12 foot wide row home, so our number of bikes is limited by our square footage lol.
DH does have three bikes now in this place though. Sooooooo. We’re already on our way there haha.
(One is broken and basically parts, one is a road racing bike which isn’t super practical here, and one is the cargo bike)

Britan

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #82 on: December 01, 2021, 07:07:21 AM »
Did it! Biked my son to daycare this morning! So 1/3. It’s a balmy mid-30s day so we bundled up. Felt good, though I was pretty warm by the end of it!

Any tips on keeping the little one’s ears warm with a helmet on? His hat is too thick to go under the helmet. I may need a size up helmet soon anyways, and a thinner hat for him. He complained the whole way. Though, a win, when I asked him if he wanted to bike or drive to school today, he said bike!

Edit: hm, actually 4 trips, not 3. Drove to the pediatrician late last night. (All ended up being fine). But currently don’t have a way to bike with the littlest bambino.

Edit 2: I’d be interested if anyone has biked with a little before 9 months. Bucket bikes like the Madsen can accommodate a car seat, for those too young to hold their heads up in a traditional bike seat. However, even jogging strollers that accept car seat attachments say not to jog with them until 6 months, even in the car seat. A bike can go much faster and presumably has less shock absorption than a jogging stroller. And Madsen won’t officially say anything on car seats, for liability reasons. So I’m thinking it has to wait 6 months? I’m not sure how to make the determination.
« Last Edit: December 01, 2021, 11:22:48 AM by Britan »

Arbitrage

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #83 on: December 01, 2021, 02:22:28 PM »
Date rangeMiles bikedMiles driven
10/27-10/31    20    0
11/1-11/21    63    6
11/22-11/30    46    0
Total   129    6

turketron

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #84 on: December 01, 2021, 02:30:12 PM »
Edit 2: I’d be interested if anyone has biked with a little before 9 months. Bucket bikes like the Madsen can accommodate a car seat, for those too young to hold their heads up in a traditional bike seat. However, even jogging strollers that accept car seat attachments say not to jog with them until 6 months, even in the car seat. A bike can go much faster and presumably has less shock absorption than a jogging stroller. And Madsen won’t officially say anything on car seats, for liability reasons. So I’m thinking it has to wait 6 months? I’m not sure how to make the determination.

I don't have any advice for you but I'm curious what you find out- our kid is only 4 months so I'm not planning on subjecting him to Wisconsin winters this year (also we're still on parental leave through the spring so we don't have anywhere to take him yet, haha) but I'm keen on getting him in the trailer we got as soon as he's able. He'll be about 8-9 months old when it'll warm up enough to take him so I'm interested to know as well!

Britan

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #85 on: December 01, 2021, 03:09:31 PM »
Edit 2: I’d be interested if anyone has biked with a little before 9 months. Bucket bikes like the Madsen can accommodate a car seat, for those too young to hold their heads up in a traditional bike seat. However, even jogging strollers that accept car seat attachments say not to jog with them until 6 months, even in the car seat. A bike can go much faster and presumably has less shock absorption than a jogging stroller. And Madsen won’t officially say anything on car seats, for liability reasons. So I’m thinking it has to wait 6 months? I’m not sure how to make the determination.

I don't have any advice for you but I'm curious what you find out- our kid is only 4 months so I'm not planning on subjecting him to Wisconsin winters this year (also we're still on parental leave through the spring so we don't have anywhere to take him yet, haha) but I'm keen on getting him in the trailer we got as soon as he's able. He'll be about 8-9 months old when it'll warm up enough to take him so I'm interested to know as well!
Burley has these: https://www.burley.com/product/baby-snuggler/
Though they recommend not using them to tow behind a bike until 12 months.
The Thule Yepp Mini front bike seat is what we used for my first son, and apparently is approved for 9+ months, assuming the pediatrician says they have enough neck control to wear a helmet.
https://www.thule.com/en-us/child-bike-seats/front-mounted-child-bike-seats/thule-yepp-mini-_-12020102
Just not sure what’s to be done before then if a bike is your only way around town. I suspect the answer is “take the bus”.

change_seeker

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #86 on: December 02, 2021, 12:49:09 PM »
I was SO cold this AM.  It was only 30 degrees and I've biked in much colder weather, but I was so chilled it felt like I was blinking in slow motion.  Hands and feet were fine, mainly my face and core that were cold.

Current clothing set-up:

Thermal base layer long sleeve
Bike jersey long sleeve
Hi-Vis Vest
Bike shorts
Bike tights
Tennis shoes
Snowboarding Mittens
Ski Helmet
Safety glasses

Current thoughts:
Add windbreaker with light insulation under Hi-Vis Vest
Add ski goggles
Add balaclava to cover cheeks

Askel

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #87 on: December 02, 2021, 01:51:05 PM »
As soon as it drops into the mid forties, I start riding with my windbreaker (AKA a cheapass nylon rain coat from walmart). 

I can get by without it when riding mountain bikes in the woods, but out on the road I need that wind protection. 

Still haven't dropped into face covering temperature much, but when it gets in the teens I like those stretchy neck buff things. Does a good job of keeping me warm without being to bulky and easy to pull down when too warm. 


turketron

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #88 on: December 02, 2021, 02:11:42 PM »
I would definitely want some sort of windbreaker layer. I've been biking mostly in the 30s and 40s (maybe down to mid/high 20s a couple of mornings) and have been using a lightweight Patagonia jacket/windbreaker (this one I think? it was a gift) and it's been pretty much perfect - a little insulation with good wind resistance. So far even with a ton of wind I'm comfortable and even slightly warm by the time I arrive.

I have a short commute (~25 minutes) so the rest of my outfit is pretty much normal clothes (jeans and a tshirt) with gloves and a hat under my helmet.

Kmp2

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #89 on: December 03, 2021, 08:15:42 PM »
Edit 2: I’d be interested if anyone has biked with a little before 9 months. Bucket bikes like the Madsen can accommodate a car seat, for those too young to hold their heads up in a traditional bike seat. However, even jogging strollers that accept car seat attachments say not to jog with them until 6 months, even in the car seat. A bike can go much faster and presumably has less shock absorption than a jogging stroller. And Madsen won’t officially say anything on car seats, for liability reasons. So I’m thinking it has to wait 6 months? I’m not sure how to make the determination.

I don't have any advice for you but I'm curious what you find out- our kid is only 4 months so I'm not planning on subjecting him to Wisconsin winters this year (also we're still on parental leave through the spring so we don't have anywhere to take him yet, haha) but I'm keen on getting him in the trailer we got as soon as he's able. He'll be about 8-9 months old when it'll warm up enough to take him so I'm interested to know as well!
Burley has these: https://www.burley.com/product/baby-snuggler/
Though they recommend not using them to tow behind a bike until 12 months.
The Thule Yepp Mini front bike seat is what we used for my first son, and apparently is approved for 9+ months, assuming the pediatrician says they have enough neck control to wear a helmet.
https://www.thule.com/en-us/child-bike-seats/front-mounted-child-bike-seats/thule-yepp-mini-_-12020102
Just not sure what’s to be done before then if a bike is your only way around town. I suspect the answer is “take the bus”.

I have biked with babies, with my first I waited until 9 months to take her in the Yepp seat, with my second we hid him in the trailer with the infant sling (no helmet), for some quiet smooth pathway rides, and my third road in a box bike in his car seat starting at a week maybe, just like they do in Europe. (I mean the 3rd kid is just for spare parts anyway right? - jk)

Here's an excellent post from a friend that might help. https://thismombikes.net/biking-with-babies/

In North America it really is 9-12 months... but there's not a lot of real evidence backing that up... I mean don't go jumping off any curbs but if you'd walk a stroller down that bump, walking a bike isn't going to be a lot different. It's mainly the helmet thing that gets us here.

It all boils down to do what your comfortable with, they probably do a lot worse in Europe...


Kmp2

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #90 on: December 03, 2021, 08:25:30 PM »
I would definitely want some sort of windbreaker layer. I've been biking mostly in the 30s and 40s (maybe down to mid/high 20s a couple of mornings) and have been using a lightweight Patagonia jacket/windbreaker (this one I think? it was a gift) and it's been pretty much perfect - a little insulation with good wind resistance. So far even with a ton of wind I'm comfortable and even slightly warm by the time I arrive.

I have a short commute (~25 minutes) so the rest of my outfit is pretty much normal clothes (jeans and a tshirt) with gloves and a hat under my helmet.

I've been biking in similar weather, I definitely want a windbreaker and not bare arms (either a long sleeve shirt or arm warmers with a tank top) once it hits the 30s (<5C)... and a few degrees below freezing I like to add a thermal layer (wool hoodie, wool long underwear).

Up to 23/28 trips by bike, one day by train this week because well we had a lot of snow and I was tired.

Britan

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #91 on: December 04, 2021, 12:15:34 PM »
Edit 2: I’d be interested if anyone has biked with a little before 9 months. Bucket bikes like the Madsen can accommodate a car seat, for those too young to hold their heads up in a traditional bike seat. However, even jogging strollers that accept car seat attachments say not to jog with them until 6 months, even in the car seat. A bike can go much faster and presumably has less shock absorption than a jogging stroller. And Madsen won’t officially say anything on car seats, for liability reasons. So I’m thinking it has to wait 6 months? I’m not sure how to make the determination.

I don't have any advice for you but I'm curious what you find out- our kid is only 4 months so I'm not planning on subjecting him to Wisconsin winters this year (also we're still on parental leave through the spring so we don't have anywhere to take him yet, haha) but I'm keen on getting him in the trailer we got as soon as he's able. He'll be about 8-9 months old when it'll warm up enough to take him so I'm interested to know as well!
Burley has these: https://www.burley.com/product/baby-snuggler/
Though they recommend not using them to tow behind a bike until 12 months.
The Thule Yepp Mini front bike seat is what we used for my first son, and apparently is approved for 9+ months, assuming the pediatrician says they have enough neck control to wear a helmet.
https://www.thule.com/en-us/child-bike-seats/front-mounted-child-bike-seats/thule-yepp-mini-_-12020102
Just not sure what’s to be done before then if a bike is your only way around town. I suspect the answer is “take the bus”.

I have biked with babies, with my first I waited until 9 months to take her in the Yepp seat, with my second we hid him in the trailer with the infant sling (no helmet), for some quiet smooth pathway rides, and my third road in a box bike in his car seat starting at a week maybe, just like they do in Europe. (I mean the 3rd kid is just for spare parts anyway right? - jk)

Here's an excellent post from a friend that might help. https://thismombikes.net/biking-with-babies/

In North America it really is 9-12 months... but there's not a lot of real evidence backing that up... I mean don't go jumping off any curbs but if you'd walk a stroller down that bump, walking a bike isn't going to be a lot different. It's mainly the helmet thing that gets us here.

It all boils down to do what your comfortable with, they probably do a lot worse in Europe...
I’ve posed the question to some bakfiet and Madsen owners. Seems there’s a big split. A number who didn’t feel comfortable before 6 months. And others who started at 4-5 weeks. It seems like, from your article, that there’s a huge lean towards being conservative in the US/North America, which isn’t as big a consideration in other countries. Which is why I have such a hard time judging risk. Seems like anything with a risk greater than 0.000001% chance of something bad is automatically “don’t do it ever!!!” (except driving for some reason, where society deems that an acceptable risk)

I think what I will do is … once I get the Madsen, take it on a few bumpy rides by itself to get a feel for the suspension or lack thereof on a real ride. Maybe have DH ride while I’m in the back. Then try a couple veeeeeery slow and short rides with the bambino. He’ll be more like 6 weeks when I get it. More like 10 by the end of the holidays when I actually have a need to take him anywhere on it. And use those couple of test rides to see how comfortable I feel given our roads. Which are pretty bumpy and terrible in places.

Also there are some parents at daycare who don’t own a car and exclusively bike/walk/bus… I may ask them what they did when their kids were tiny.

samanil

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #92 on: December 04, 2021, 05:07:10 PM »
Just discovered this thread. I've been commuting by bike 100% of the time. I don't have a car so it's my only option basically. Sometimes it's with a trailer loaded with carpentry tools, all over Seattle and sometimes outside the city, often in downpours. I use an ebike as a regular bike wouldn't be possible, at least not for me. I work in the trades so I need to conserve my physical energy for my job.

I have OR Foray rain pants and jacket, an OR puffy, OR rain mitts and windproof gloves, thick fleece beanie, Keen boots, always wear 2 pairs of wool socks, and have some cheap waterproof shoe covers that work well. I usually wear the puffy if it's in the 40s or below. In the 50s, I just rock a shirt with the OR rain jacket. I have blinky lights attached to the front and back of my waterproof Chrome backpack which I always wear while riding. I also have a super bright 1200 lumen headlamp that lights the way. I shine it directly at drivers if I have any suspicion that they don't see me. I like the headlamp because I choose where to illuminate, as opposed to a handlebar mounted lamp which would just illuminate in front. I also keep all my lights on my person so they can't be stolen off my bike if I lock it up somewhere.

Britan

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #93 on: December 05, 2021, 06:06:15 AM »
Just discovered this thread. I've been commuting by bike 100% of the time. I don't have a car so it's my only option basically. Sometimes it's with a trailer loaded with carpentry tools, all over Seattle and sometimes outside the city, often in downpours. I use an ebike as a regular bike wouldn't be possible, at least not for me. I work in the trades so I need to conserve my physical energy for my job.

I have OR Foray rain pants and jacket, an OR puffy, OR rain mitts and windproof gloves, thick fleece beanie, Keen boots, always wear 2 pairs of wool socks, and have some cheap waterproof shoe covers that work well. I usually wear the puffy if it's in the 40s or below. In the 50s, I just rock a shirt with the OR rain jacket. I have blinky lights attached to the front and back of my waterproof Chrome backpack which I always wear while riding. I also have a super bright 1200 lumen headlamp that lights the way. I shine it directly at drivers if I have any suspicion that they don't see me. I like the headlamp because I choose where to illuminate, as opposed to a handlebar mounted lamp which would just illuminate in front. I also keep all my lights on my person so they can't be stolen off my bike if I lock it up somewhere.
Nice! You probably have a lot more rain to contend with than some of us.

Britan

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #94 on: December 06, 2021, 04:55:32 AM »
Took another bike “trip” yesterday. To the park, so not really a trip in the truest sense. But it was nice!
Unfortunately, next few days will be by car since DH will have the bike to go into work. It doesn’t count for my tally if *he* commutes by bike, does it? ;)

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #95 on: December 06, 2021, 06:43:51 PM »
Took another bike “trip” yesterday. To the park, so not really a trip in the truest sense. But it was nice!
Unfortunately, next few days will be by car since DH will have the bike to go into work. It doesn’t count for my tally if *he* commutes by bike, does it? ;)

Kind of sounds like it's time for a NBD.

Britan

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #96 on: December 06, 2021, 09:06:50 PM »
Took another bike “trip” yesterday. To the park, so not really a trip in the truest sense. But it was nice!
Unfortunately, next few days will be by car since DH will have the bike to go into work. It doesn’t count for my tally if *he* commutes by bike, does it? ;)

Kind of sounds like it's time for a NBD.
Don’t know if I’ve heard that acronym before, you may have to learn me something today. :)

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #97 on: December 06, 2021, 09:30:31 PM »
Took another bike “trip” yesterday. To the park, so not really a trip in the truest sense. But it was nice!
Unfortunately, next few days will be by car since DH will have the bike to go into work. It doesn’t count for my tally if *he* commutes by bike, does it? ;)

Kind of sounds like it's time for a NBD.
Don’t know if I’ve heard that acronym before, you may have to learn me something today. :)

New Bike Day!  Good spendypants acronym.  Follows from the old rule that the correct number of bikes to own is always N+1, where N is the number of bikes that you currently own.

Britan

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #98 on: December 07, 2021, 07:11:54 AM »
Took another bike “trip” yesterday. To the park, so not really a trip in the truest sense. But it was nice!
Unfortunately, next few days will be by car since DH will have the bike to go into work. It doesn’t count for my tally if *he* commutes by bike, does it? ;)

Kind of sounds like it's time for a NBD.

Don’t know if I’ve heard that acronym before, you may have to learn me something today. :)

New Bike Day!  Good spendypants acronym.  Follows from the old rule that the correct number of bikes to own is always N+1, where N is the number of bikes that you currently own.
Oh. I love it. And haha it’s already NBD soon, my Madsen bike is getting shipped out as soon as it’s ready, should be here second or third week of December :D

But then we’ll be biking everywhere and only use the car on the odd weekend days we need to leave the city.

samanil

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Re: commute by bicycle at least 50% this winter
« Reply #99 on: December 07, 2021, 03:41:58 PM »
New Bike Day!  Good spendypants acronym.  Follows from the old rule that the correct number of bikes to own is always N+1, where N is the number of bikes that you currently own.

Love it. I spend way too much time envisioning and researching my ideal ebike, even though I already have 2. I keep flipping between a middrive surly, a middrive with an internally geared hub in back, and a belt drive with a hub motor in front. I should probably stop thinking about it and just wait until I need to replace my current ebike, and then pick one to replace it with.