Guide · Winter
Small things that make winter cycling in the Netherlands less miserable
Wind, drizzle, dark at half past five. A short list from someone who learned the hard way.
Lights first
From October it's dark during the evening commute. Working front and rear lights aren't optional: they're the law, and the fine is not small. Rechargeable USB lights save you from dead batteries.
Hands
Windproof gloves matter more than thick ones. On really cold days, a pocket hand warmer helps at red lights. Read my notes on what to look for before you buy one.
Rain
A proper rain jacket beats an umbrella (please don't cycle with an umbrella). Rain trousers look silly, but you'll stop caring by December.
Your phone
Cold drains phone batteries fast. Keep your phone in an inside pocket. A hand warmer that doubles as a power bank covers both problems.
