South Dakota Bicycle Coalition

Jessica Giard, SD Bicycle Coalition

As any outdoor enthusiast knows, there is never bad weather – only bad clothing. Of course, it’s especially true for bicycle commuters who enjoy the best of winter riding.

Michael Christensen, Sioux Falls, and Kevin Brady, Vermillion, know this is true. Both are four-season commuters by bike.

They recommend items that provide wind protection, especially footwear, gloves or mittens, eye and face protection and head gear. Be sure head gear fits under your helmet. Avoid using a jacket hood, however, since it can obstruct your field of vision.

As you ride, you generate your own heat, so wear a breathable layers underneath your insulating layer. Wool and synthetics are good choices.

“Lots of winter days, in some winters, are closer to 30 degrees than 20 below, so get used to 30 and you’ll ride surprisingly often,” said Christensen.

Watching the weather forecast is an obvious part of winter riding. Pay attention to evening temperature predictions and prepare accordingly, especially for days the temps drop through the day. Of course, watch the wind chill factor.

For extra traction on snow-packed roads, Brady uses studded tires on his winter ride. Tires that are wider or knobby work fine, too, for winter riding. Inflate your tires on the low side of the recommended PSI range for better traction.

“Be even more aware of your surroundings due to the potential of increased time to stop,” said Brady. Keep up on your bicycle checks and maintenance through the winter, too. Winter gunk can build up, especially on chains and brakes.

Don’t forget lights – front and rear – if you‘ll be riding early morning or early evening. Fenders can be a good choice for South Dakota winter riding, especially if you encounter the occasional warm up days mid-winter and want avoid the stripe of slush and mud down your back.

With the right gear and the right mindset, winter riders can cruise through a South Dakota winter and still enjoy the benefits of commuting by bicycle.

Northeast South Dakotans Speak for Bicycling

Watertown, Aberdeen residents sit on SD Bicycle Coalition board

Bicycling advocates now have a greater reach in northeast South Dakota.

The South Dakota Bicycle Coalition expanded its reach into that part of the state with the recent additions of two new board members – Amy Blackstone, Aberdeen, and Dr. Fred Deutsch, Watertown.

Blackstone joins the coalition as an active member of Aberdeen’s bicycling and running community, notably the Aberdeen Area Running Club. She is also the PR and marketing director with the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce. As board secretary, Blackstone uses her marketing background to support the group in furthering its mission to network with the state’s growing bicycling community.

Deutsch is relatively new to the bicycling world, but has come on strong as an advocate, helping develop the Watertown Bicycle Club. He is a  chiropractor and also a member of the Watertown school board. Deustch’s deep experience as a board member for a number of Watertown-area organizations will help further the coalition’s depth of knowledge to serve South Dakota bicyclists.

2011 South Dakota Bike Summit

The South Dakota Bicycle Coalition’s focus on creating a community of South Dakota bicyclists comes together for the 2011 South Dakota Bike Summit, January 21-22 in Pierre.

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If you are pedal-powered, the likely answer is ‘yes.’

Show your support of better bicycling in South Dakota by becoming a member of the SDBC.

If you register for the 2011 SD Bike Summit (Jan. 21-22), you will save $10 when you also sign on for an individual membership.

Why the summit? Why membership?

The summit will do three things.

• Bring together South Dakota bicyclists as advocates, educators, volunteers, leaders, and, of course, as people on bicycles.
• Bolster support for the coalition and give further direction to our work at the state level.
• Provide you with resources for better bicycling in South Dakota and in your local communities.

Your membership supports the SDBC … which brings you the summit, bicycling education opportunities, networking and resource connections and a voice in advocacy action for better bicycling in South Dakota.

Our goal is to speak collectively for South Dakota bicyclists. And, we can only do that with your support.

Start with our new summit registration and membership form.

FYI – online summit registration and membership should be available the first week of November.