 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Wet Streets
Wet streets can be hazardous. Watch out for:
Metal,
paint, and leaves. Metal-grate bridges, sewer and manhole covers, painted
pavement, and leaves get slippery when wet. Don’t brake or turn
suddenly on them. Don’t ride across bridges if you have thin
or smooth tires. Put both feet on the road and “scooter” across,
or walk your bike on the sidewalk.- Puddles. Don’t ride through a puddle if you can’t see the bottom. It could be a deep pothole that could make you crash or dent your wheel.
- Start of rain. Don’t race to beat the rain when it starts; it’s when streets are slickest, because oil or anti-freeze on the road spreads before it washes away. Turn slower and with less lean.
Slow Down
Remember that motorists and cyclists can’t see as well in rain or snow. And it takes longer to stop—so to be safe, go slower than normal.
Braking
When brake pads are wet they take up to ten times longer to work. Dry them by applying your brakes far ahead of where you want to slow down, causing your pads to wipe the rims. To dry them faster, “pump” the brakes by applying them, then letting go, over and over.
Snow
Snow crews usually clear major streets within a day of a major snowfall. Walk your bike to one and get going. Other concerns:
- Ice. Snow hides ice on the pavement, so avoid riding on snow. Walk your bike if you must.
- Build-up. With piles of snow on the right, ride in the middle of the right lane. Let cars pass in heavy traffic; otherwise, if drivers give you the horn give them the “slow” arm signal (see page 13)—or shake your head firmly—and keep going.