Spring bikeability report

An assessment of the RCP area and spring biking tips

Things are warming up nicely, again, after a big spring dump of snow.

During a warm spell in February, I went cycling around the north central area and beyond to assess the bikeability conditions. Conditions will be similar right now.

Conditions were good overall on the bike paths, but sometimes downright impossible to navigate on side streets. It’s no longer a matter of the City of Edmonton clearing snow, but more of a random patchwork of ice, water, and slush.

The inevitable thaw brings its share of problems. Photo by Sherridon Routley.

My top tips for spring cycling

Your experience may vary, but these are my recommendations:

Watch the ruts and slush! When riding on the road, the remaining grooves made by other vehicles and bikes can be your worst enemy. They can easily send you flying with anything less than the fattest tires. If the sidestreet is covered in slush, I recommend choosing another route or riding on the main corridor. If you really need to, ride or walk on the sidewalk in low-trafficked areas. Many times I will get off my bike and walk it over problem areas when exploring side streets.

Some routes should be avoided altogether. Photo by Sherridon Routley

Watch the debris! Every year about this time, I get a flat from riding around the city because all the snow has melted and the debris is now scattered on the side of the street. If possible, ride in the middle of the lane in well-trafficked areas as sharp gravel, broken plastic, and glass can get into your tire and puncture your tube.

Use a fender/splash guard: Use fenders to protect yourself from road spray and melting snow. A rear fender is a must but a front fender can help too. I use a quick-remove mud guard on my rear tire.

Dress appropriately: You are likely to get quite dirty if you like to ride through puddles and muck, so wear shoes and clothing you don’t mind making a mess of. It's a good idea to put your shoes in front of a vent or radiator to dry when you get home. Continue to dress in layers you can pack so that you can keep warm when the temps drop. Wear a waterproof, windproof, and breathable outer layer, and a warm moisture-wicking inner layer.

Avoid large puddles: Sure, we all like to make a splash. But watch out for some deep puddles, as there can be hidden debris or potholes. Sometimes there’s still ice below the water and, if you slip, you’ll be one soggy cat!

Visibility: Since you may need to ride on the main streets in traffic, it’s imperative to have visible clothing and bike lights, especially when the sun is going down. Even though I usually like to listen to music on relaxed rides, I would much rather be aware of my surroundings in trafficked areas. Always shoulder check and hand signal when on the road and even on bike lanes. Have a good front light (400 lumens and up) if you intend to ride after sundown — many hazards are hard to see in the dark.

Rust is still your bike's enemy: There’s still plenty of road salt and sandy slush that can wear down moving parts. It’s important to clean your bike often and remember to wash it at the end of your ride. A simple wipedown of the moving parts with warm water is good enough to keep your bike functionally clean. I like to make a short visit to the manual car wash for a good spray. Never spray a power wand wash directly into your moving parts, as it will remove the grease that is supposed to be there. If your bike is a princess, there are dedicated cleaning products and procedures to follow.

Tires: Generally, you need tires with good traction and not bald. Thick-tread mountain bike tires are a good option. Fat bike tires are the best, but a fat bike is a whole other investment. If you expect to encounter ice, you may want to lower your tire pressure a bit.

Maintenance: Clean and lubricate your chain with chain lubricant, you’ll be surprised at how much this improves your ride. Check and upgrade your brakes, since wet conditions can reduce their efficiency.

Carry a bus pass or change: It's always a good idea to be prepared for an accident or flat, and this year was no exception for me as I had a flat riding out in an industrial park. Even though I stray far from the city centre, it’s still a good idea to be prepared if you ride locally — walking your bike home with a flat tire can be quite annoying.

The north central area has a wealth of cycling options

Sherridon Routley is a friend of the community who enjoys urban exploring every corner of the city by bicycle. Although he had previously owned a house south of the RCP district and understands the challenges of the area, he now resides in East Glenora.