Get Ready for Winter Bike to Work Day!

Winter biking might seem intimidating, but with a little preparation, it can be a great way to get around Anchorage. We’ve collected the best tips and tricks from the Bike Anchorage team to help you transform your daily commute, get fresh air and exercise, and join the friendly community of year-round Anchorage riders. And with Winter Bike to Work Day coming up on February 14, there’s no better time to give it a shot!

What You Need to Start Winter Bike Commuting

Good news: You don’t need a fancy bike or expensive gear to start riding in the winter! Here’s what you do need:

✅ A bike that works for winter conditions: Almost any bike can work! Fat bikes, mountain bikes and commuter bikes can all be adapted for riding on snow and ice.
✅ A route you’re comfortable riding: Your winter route may be different from your summer route, depending on snow and maintenance conditions. Greenbelt trails, side streets, or roads with reliable plowing may be better options. Check out Bike Anchorage’s bike maps for route planning help!
✅ A backup plan: Did you know every People Mover bus has a bike rack? You can use the bus to extend your range or skip rough sections. You can even buy tickets on the app when you don’t have cash.

Dressing for Winter Riding

The key to staying warm while biking in the winter is layering. Aim to start your ride feeling a little cold--you’ll warm up as you go!

🥶 20-32ºF: This is the majority of winter, and most people can get too warm easily. Light layers and good wind protection are key.
🥶 0-20ºF: Add an extra base layer, and keep skin exposure to a minimum.
🥶 Below 0ºF: More layers, thicker gloves or pogies (handlebar mittens), and extra insulation for feet and face are a must.

Some gear that makes winter biking more comfortable:

• Softshell or shell jacket and pants to block wind and keep snow out
• Very warm boots because cold toes are the #1 winter biking complaint!
• Heated socks and insoles are a great alternative to buying a new set of boots
• Helmet cover or hat, ear band, buff to protect your head and face
• Pogies to keep hands warm without bulky gloves

Winter Bike Setup & Safety

• Lights, lights, lights! Use a steady front light to see and a flashing rear light to be seen. Anchorage’s winter daylight is short, so make sure other road and trail users can see you.
• Tires: Studded tires offer better grip on ice, but if you don’t have them, lower tire pressure can help because it increases contact with the ground.
• Carrying your stuff: Backpacks are a well-loved classic for a reason, but on longer or bumpier rides, it’s nice to keep weight off your back. Try panniers, a basket, or even a trailer to make transporting gear easier.
• Repair kit essentials: A multitool, pump, patch kit, extra layer, and hand warmers can save the day.

Taking Your Time & Finding Your Route

Winter biking isn’t about speed! It’s about stability and safety.
🚴‍♂️ Take turns slower and give yourself extra stopping distance. Your tires have the most contact and grip when the bike is perpendicular to the ground (straight up and down).
🚴‍♂️ Remember, your winter route may not be your summer route! Trails, plowed sidewalks, or side streets might be better options than busy roads.
🚴‍♂️ Use these tools to check the status of streets and trails:

• Municipal snow plow status with live GPS tracking  (“Trackless” = sidewalk plow)
• State-maintained road and sidewalk priority maps   
• Parks & Recreation trail info & grooming status map 
• Alaska Outdoor Report for crowdsourced trail conditions in the Anchorage area and beyond 

Finding Bike Parking in Winter

Looking for a place to lock up? Check out Bike Anchorage’s bike parking map to find racks around town. But be aware: many bike racks may not be maintained in winter and can be buried in snow. If you see a bike rack that has been abandoned to a snow pile, speak up! Let business owners or property managers know that people still need bike parking year-round.

More Tools & Resources

📌 Bike Anchorage Commuting Tools:

• Bike Maps: Plan the best route for your commute
• Bike Parking Map: Find bike racks around town (but check for snow!)
• Rules of the Road & Trail Etiquette: Know your rights and responsibilities

📌 Learn More, Online and In Person:

• Shifter: Great Youtube channel from an urban rider in Vancouver   

• Off the Chain: Anchorage’s community bike co-op for DIY repairs

📌 Ways to Advocate for Better Winter Biking

• Write to your elected officials about the importance of better winter biking infrastructure. Email all Assembly members here, find your local representatives here, and find your state representatives here.
• Join Bike Anchorage! We’re a small, scrappy nonprofit working hard to make Anchorage more bike-friendly. If you find this work valuable, help us keep it up! Become a member or get involved in advocacy: Bike Anchorage Advocacy Committee
• Report snow removal issues:
  • Municipal paths (MOA): (907) 343-7569
  • State-maintained roads (DOT): (907) 338-1466
  • Sidewalks blocked by snow berms? Use #ANCWorks → Right of Way Concern → Fill out a service request

Try Winter Biking This February!

Winter Bike to Work Day is on Friday, February 14, the perfect time to test out winter commuting! Whether you ride every day or just give it a shot for one morning, you’ll be part of a community of riders—and enjoy free treats and swag along the way.

And don’t miss Winter Bike Fest, with a full lineup of events throughout February! Join in for fun rides, social gatherings, and a raffle with awesome prizes including a brand-new fat bike, pogies and more!

Questions? Comments?

We hope this explainer has been helpful and inspiring! If you have any questions, need more help getting started, or just want to get more involved with Bike Anchorage, we’d love to hear from you. Shoot us an email at [email protected]!