Bicycle commuters -- what do you do when you know it's going to rain?

Question

Do you have a rainsuit for riding your bike? A waterproof backpack for your work clothes? Do you decide to take the bike that day?

I'm asking because it's getting to be summer, which means rain every day at 3-4 in the afternoon. I like riding my bike to work, but for the past two weeks I've been driving just because I know it's going to rain in the afternoon.

Answer 1

I commuted 2.5 mi / 4 km each way for 12 years by bike, year round, rain or snow in Ottawa, Canada. I also rode 15 km / 10 mi each way for 2 years. I used one (or two if necessary) small panier bags on a rear carrier to carry bike clothing, rain jacket, etc), or -- in the last couple of years -- a large bicycle messenger bag.

Since, for the shorter commute, I didn't have access to a shower I would ride to work in my work clothes -- unless it was a really warm day (in which case I wore bike clothes and simply changed in the washroom). For the longer commute I had access to a shower and locker room, so I always wore bike clothes and packed clothes in a plastic bag in my paniers (supposedly waterproof, but I never trusted them).

If it was raining when I had to leave for work I'd walk or, if pressed for time, take the bus (no car, so driving wasn't an option)

I never really minded if it rained on my way home, since in summer I usually changed into bike clothes and didn't mind if they got wet (they would anyway from sweat!). I did pack a rain jacket in case it was cool (wet clothes aren't comfortable unless it's warm).  Riding in the rain is only a problem re visibility (glasses steam up, and you have to be more aware of drivers since they don't expect bicycles as much).

In winter I wore a pair of Gortex rain pants and rain jacket over work clothes, supplemented as necessary by a sweater, gloves, face mask, goggles, etc. I rode in temperatures as low as 35C below zero.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

what my brother does is he will ride the bike to school and if it starts to rain really hard he will take the bus home here in California its only $1.75 so its better than spending all tha money in gas also you can use a normal backback but i iron and fold my clothes then i put them in a plastic bag but it really depends on how much its going to rain if its just going to sprinkle then it shouldnt be that bad ...

Answer 3

Work until 5pm and the rain should be cleared up. Take a raincoat, spray yourself with scotch guard, wear a garbage bag, etc.... the possibilities are endless.

P

Answer 4

I have a short commute (1 mile each way), so I just bring a raincoat if it looks like rain later in the day.  If its raining in the early am when I go to work, I then drive and throw my gym bag in the car to hit the gym after work.

Answer 5

If I think that there is a chance of rain during my ride, I take the appropriate rain gear. If it's a warm day - I probably use one of those old fashioned cape things that the English used to wear. They pack up small, keep all of you dry but allow your body to breath.

This only works really well if your bike has mudguards to keep the water from the wheels away from you.

If it's going to be a really cold or windy day I'll probably wear a waterproof cycling over jacket in a fluorescent colour for visibility, some over trousers, some overshoes, waterproof gloves and probably a hood or waterproof hat.

I also use waterproof panniers.

If it rains between the hours of 3 and 4, why not ride at a different time. Go shopping or have a break prior to the ride.