Biking in the Rain Tips

U-PASS Merchant Partners
Check your gear.
Advice from ASUW Bike Shop

Get big savings on bikes & gear.

Tap into the power of your U-PASS to save on bikes, accessories, and repairs. Check out the Commuter Services website for information on local businesses that give you savings every time you shop.

Your U-PASS also gets you great deals on safety equipment such as helmets, lights, bike bells, and helmet mirrors at the Hall Health Wellness Center, Hall Health, Room 213.

Make a quick check.

Are you ready to hop on your bike for the Ride in the Rain challenge? Better run a quick check to make sure you've got everything you need.

1. Get a bike that's right for you. Don't worry if your wheels aren't the coolest, newest, or most expensive. When you're commuting to campus any kind of bike will do. But make sure you're outfitted with equipment that will get you there safely and effectively.
2. Lighten up. Use lights and reflectors after dark. The law requires your bike to have a white headlight (visible from 500') and a red rear reflector (visible from 600'). Hall Health offers discounted light sets with your U-PASS. Check current prices with Hall Health.
3. Use your head. Safety 101 says always wear a helmet, plus it's the law. There is no better way to reduce the risk of serious head injuries. Always replace your helmet after a fall or if the plastic or Styrofoam is cracked or damaged. Your U-PASS and $12 will get you fitted into a helmet at Hall Health.
4. Be prepared for the unexpected. Carry an air pump, spare tube, patch kit, spare bulbs and batteries, and of course the right tools. Remember there are lots of shops nearby that offer discounts to U-PASS holders.
5. Protect your clothes with fenders. It's the easiest way to keep clean and dry. Fenders are cheap and you'll even save a couple of bucks with your U-PASS.
6. Dress for success. For a quick commute to campus you might not need special clothing. Make sure you wear clothes that make you visible to drivers. Avoid cotton. Cotton gets wet, stays wet, and does not insulate. Remember it's winter, so wear layers! See clothing suggestions for longer commutes below.
7. Pack right. Use a rack to attach panniers (side bags), packs, books or anything else you need to carry. Avoid wrinkles by rolling your clothes instead of folding or consider taking a change of clothes to work the day before.

When in doubt, ask the experts.

We asked the folks at the ASUW Bike Shop for some advice on gearing up for longer winter bicycle commutes. Download the list with full descriptions and an order form as well as information about helmets and socks.

1. A cycling rain shell. This is different from a rain “jacket” or a rain “coat.” Generally it will not have a hood, and it will have underarm and side ventilation (zipper or mesh). The advantage is that you can put whatever cold weather insulation you need on underneath of it, using your hoodie or favorite sweater for warmth. Beware of cheap imitations! You want something made out of plastic, or heavily coated nylon. Get it a little big, so that you can wear layers underneath. The underarm ventilation works to keep it from turning into a little greenhouse as you ride.
2. Foot covers and wool socks. Nothing is quite as annoying as spending the rest of the day with wet feet. Not all of us have a locker or an office to keep a change in, so spend the extra few dollars on some Merino wool socks by SmartWool or Sock Guy. Wool will stay warm, even if wet. Combine wool socks with some kind of neoprene or other waterresistant booties that go over your shoes, and you could have toasty warm toes all day! Booties also extend the life of your expensive bike shoes.
3. Legs. Rain pants are a great option, but expensive and should be tried on before buying. Second Ascent (used!) in Ballard and REI are good places to go. Some folks swear by using mountaineering gators just on their calves, others prefer full leg rain pants and others think that having wool or polyester pants over Patagonia long underwear or cycling tights is the way to go. It kind of depends on your own sense of style.
4. Visor and helmet cover or a cycling cap. It is important to keep something under/over your helmet to keep your head warm, and equally important to have a visor (especially if you wear glasses). Cycling caps are a cheap way to take care of that, but they are cotton and don’t dry well. Helmet covers are a good option, but tend to wear around where your helmet sticks out. It’s a personal decision, but it’s important to have something keeping your body heat in and the rain out.
5. GLOVES! Preferrably padded, and full finger or half finger with regular knit gloves underneath. They are very important to help keep your grip when it’s slippery.