This morning I woke up in darkness, and the voice on NPR notified me that, with wind chill, it's -9 in Chicago. Winter is here. I've gotten out my down coat and furry hats, but one thing is different this year. I am going to try to ride my bike through the season.

The prospect, in many ways, is terrifying. When I walk on the sidewalks an my feet slip on the ice, I get an image of what that would look like on wheels. Not pretty. And then there is the biting wind--on a bike? Will I have a really, really red, wind-burned face?

But the more advice I collect from the pros, the more winter biking seems doable. And though I haven't yet biked in weather below 15 degrees, so far, it really is not so bad. I'd even go so far as to say it can be quite pleasant. Here is some of the advice I have collected, much of which can be accomplished through thrift store visits.

1. Layer, layer, layer. Don't wear your down coat. A polar fleece, with a water proof, wind proof jacket on top. Pros recommend zippered armpits for airing in more intense biking.
2. Get one of those scary face masks. Or at least a warm, thin hat and a scarf wrapped tightly to cover your face.
3. Don't forget fingers and toes. You'll need warm gloves/mittens and a warm pair of socks.
4. Light the way. It gets dark earlier, and visibility is often less. Don't leave home without your front and back light.
5. Get fenders. One of the more unpleasant parts of winter biking is nasty slush splashing up on your legs. Fenders will keep you drier.
6. Don't bike in precipitation. Some will disagree, but my rule (and that of some of my hard core biker friends) is to give myself a free pass when it is raining or snowing. Slippage happens when roads are wet.
7. Find out more, and find a community. Chicago Bike Winter is a meeting place for those who love, not just tolerate it.

What is your advice for biking in the winter?

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Caitlin Elsaesser
Caitlin Elsaesser is a Maine girl transplanted to Chicago. More