Zygg Ebikes gathered a team of top biking enthusiasts to inspire you to stay in the saddle and keep on rolling through the autumn and winter months. We asked three simple questions:
What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling?
What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months?
What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter?
And wow, they were so generous in sharing their experience and advice! Thank you, all.
Colin Campbell
Associate Director of Partnerships at the University of Toronto’s Climate Positive Energy Initiative, Colin works to bring expertise from across the university to help solve the technical and social challenges of decarbonization.
“I love the control and impact I can have from deciding to bike, walk or take public transit over driving a vehicle. I used to pack the bike in the fall, residing in the comforts of home to settle in to exercise off the bike trainer. It wasn't until the 2022/2023 season when I decided to challenge my family (wife, three daughters and our dog, Bob) to a No Vehicle November, which quickly led to a winter of active transportation for myself through the winter.”
What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling in the winter?
“ Keep your feet warm - a good pair of winter boots and wool socks are critical, more important than the efficiency of clipping in and booty covers. Cycling in my Sorel 1964 Pac Winter Boots and Smartwool socks was extremely comfortable.
“Keep your hands warm - a good pair of mittens is key. I find it’s warmer when all your fingers can touch :) I've yet to try those covers that stay on the bike, but I really like the ability to keep my hands warm from the moment I leave the house to arriving wherever the destination may be. I'm open to trying alternatives that don't restrict braking and gear shifting.”
“Choose the right bike - something with a little more weight than your road cyclist is typically after and a wider tire, both to help with improved stability. Last year, I rode on the Velec Citi 350 Step Through, and this year I'll be giving the Yuba FastTrack e-cargo bike a go, which should make doing grocery store visits and volunteering with the Parkdale Community Food Bank a little easier.”
What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months?
“The crisp and cool air. As a recently converted cooler month cyclist, I now want to show others that riding into the new year is possible and can be enjoyable.”
What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter?
“Knowing that I'm not contributing to the release of carbon emissions. Being outside - if I’m not going to be out cross country skiing, the opportunity to spend more time outdoors on a bike keeps the darker time of the year more uplifting.”
Lanrick Bennett Jr.
As Toronto’s First Bicycle Mayor, Lanrick is one of the most visible, vocal (and nicest!) community organizers, who strives to enliven the city’s public realm. He is presently the Executive Director for a not-for-profit in Toronto called Charlie’s Free Wheels.
What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling?
“ I'm all about layers. On Top: My baselayer is a t-shirt that wicks away sweat. I have a sweatshirt or sweater and a light or heavy jacket as my top layer. I wear a balaclava for temps under -15C, above, a regular scarf does fine. On Bottom: Windproof Thermal Pants, wool socks, winter riding gloves and hiking boots.”
What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months?
“I enjoy riding through parks and trails that are used a little less in the winter. My favorite spot is heading out to Tommy Thompson Park, which I probably ride more in the winter than in the summer.”
What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter?
“This will be my third winter riding with The Bike Brigade so that is my motivation to push through. People are still in need of food. If I can help, I will.”
Robin Richardson
An advocate for safe, active transportation, Robin is the founder of Happy Fiets Canada, a rental service for electric city, family, and cargo bikes. She is the co-lead of Kidical Mass Toronto, and is the spokesperson for Yonge4All, a grassroots organization working towards a complete street design for Yonge Street. Robin is also a volunteer with The Bike Brigade.
What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling?
“ A big warm scarf. It doesn't matter how well you dress your body; if the cold air is hitting your face - and your lungs! - you are going to be chilled. I wrap the scarf over my nose, mouth, and neck, then crossover behind and bring the ends back in front to tie at my collar. If I warm up from the exertion of pedaling, it's easy to pull it down or unwrap it and stash it in a bag until it's needed again.”
What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months?
“ I enjoy the camaraderie with other winter cyclists. It feels like we are in on a secret: winter cycling isn't actually very difficult, but it does make you feel like a superhero! And there's nothing like a warm drink after coming in from a cold ride.”
What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter?
“ I used to put my bike away when the temperatures dropped, but I found I felt tired and cranky from spending too much time in the car. My mental and physical health have greatly improved since I made the decision to keep riding year-round!”
Dave Edwards
Dave is an entrepreneur and small business owner who captures great visuals of his journeys through Toronto and other awesome cities via bike, ebike, cargo bike….any bike!
What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling?
“For me, my standard winter riding kit includes a pair of thick wool socks (I love the JB Fields Super Wool Hiker GX Socks), Pearl Izumi Lobster Gloves to keep my fingers warm, and a balaclava that I can wear under my helmet. Keeping my neck and ears warm is extremely important to me. On days with extreme cold, I'll sometimes throw on some ski goggles to give my face some extra protection. Handlebar mitts, or "Pogies", to keep your hands protected from the wind can be a life saver.”
Those are my standard winter cycling items, but last year I discovered Duer All-Weather Denim Jeans and I wore them constantly. They are waterproof and windproof, and easily pass for "regular" jeans. They are perfect for winter riding.”
What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months?
“For years I put my bike away in late October or early November. Once I got used to riding year round, I felt like I had been let in on a little secret that not everyone knows about. I almost feel like I am getting away with something. It's something I never thought I would do regularly (ride year round), but now that I do, I can't imagine stopping.”
What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter?
“Honestly, what keeps me motivated to ride is the practicality of cycling in general. With all of the construction around Toronto, I can almost always get to my destination faster by bike than by car. The same can be said for most TTC trips. Cycling gives me freedom of movement, and I don't want to lose that just because it is cold. As long as the roads are clear, all I have to do is dress appropriately.
NOTE: Whenever I speak about winter cycling, I always remind people that it doesn't have to be "all or nothing". You don't have to bike through massive snow storms or any time that you feel uncomfortable. Experiment with short trips on routes you know well and trust. Try out different clothing options. See what works for you and build on that!
For me, I started winter cycling using Bike Share bikes - that way I didn't feel forced to keep riding if the conditions worsened. “
Valerie
Valerie is an elementary school teacher whose dedication extends into the broader community with her support of Dinner with Dignity, CAMH, and the award winning local paper West End Phoenix. Valerie has been a Zygg ebike rider since September 2020, making her one of the longest Zygg subscribers in Toronto! Of course we had to ask her for her tips!
What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling?
“Always mitts, down vest, flannel jacket and thin cashmere hat under my helmet. If it's super cold I'll add a Gore-Tex jacket layer and shell pants. I've also gone so far as to wear a ski helmet with goggles. I suppose of these items the essential ones are the mitts and thin hat under my helmet.”
What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months?
“Less riders. And the fact that you warm up pretty quick while riding so it's really not so bad at all.”
What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter?
“Avoiding my car and the TTC keeps me motivated to ride in the winter.”
Souhail
Originally from Tunisia, Souhaiel first came to Canada as a student. He now holds down an office job in Toronto and is a Zygg ebike subscriber who works part-time as a bike food delivery rider.
What is your essential accessory or clothing item(s) for winter cycling?
“My go to essential accessory…. no doubt, a good jacket. Any down jacket will work perfectly. Otherwise, if you are looking for a specific brand, I will recommend Canada Goose as it provides quality plus efficiency. It is expensive but it is worth the money you are paying. You could always get something cheaper from Sportchek or Winners as they have a variety of brands that could bring similar results. FYI: You can always layer!”
What is your favourite thing about riding in the cooler months ?
“Riding in the cold is a great way to clear my mind and it is simply a stress reliever. I just love riding my bike around the city while grabbing a warm coffee and enjoying the scenery.”
What keeps you motivated to ride in the winter ?
“After an office shift, nothing could match a nice ride around the city to relieve stress and earn some extra money. “