In case we didn't already know, the last few days have left many cyclists in the UK with little doubt as to how much their local councils care about them. Whilst roads have been gritted and kept clear in an admirable manner, in many areas the snow has long stopped falling, yet cycle routes remain covered in the white stuff, often in combination with ice. It doesn't matter what sort of route, all cycling provision is ignored in the same way. Off road cycle paths are completely ignored. Shared use pavements are covered such that it is impossible to tell which side is for cyclists and which for pedestrians, though moving much quicker than walking pace is tricky anyway. On road cycle lanes are only marginally better, benefiting from their proximity to the road with a sprinkling of grit. All too often these lanes remain repositories for slush, forcing cyclists out on to the road anyway. I don't have a problem cycling on the road - indeed most of my cycling is on road - but the facefulls of snow flying off the roofs of passing cars doesn't do much to make the experience any safer than the icy paths.
It seems as though councils don't expect cyclists to venture out in such weather. I'm sure they could cite numbers to back this up, but there is an issue of cause and effect here. Cyclists may be willing to head out onto ice free paths, despite the arctic air temperatures, but if they don't have the option, they'll just hop in their cars and take the easier road. I'm sure if councils gritted cycle routes, they'd find the numbers using them would increase to justify their action. I have been told the City of London and Edinburgh have been keeping their bike lanes clear, sending out a clear message to others that it can be done.
It's not as though we shouldn't be cycling in this weather. Cyclists venture out year round in far worse conditions in other countries. It's just they are provided for much better.
In Sweden, for example, even small towns have snowploughs specifically for their bike lanes ( http://www.copenhagenize.com/2008/03/small-town-bike-lane-snowplough.html ) The dutch are even considering heated cycle lanes to keep theirs snow free. ( http://www.ecf.com/news/dutch-to-heat-cycle-lanes-ecf-newswatch/ ) Of course, for either of these to work, you need a sufficient network of dedicated cycle lanes, which are sadly lacking in this country.
What can we do then? Well, it depends. If you need to stick to cycle paths (literally) then a mountain bike with winter tyres such as these ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000QT1IIS/ref=asc_df_B000QT1IIS11591890?smid=A1HZ5FPD8FVC3N&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22218&creativeASIN=B000QT1IIS ) should help. An interesting innovation is this clip on winter tire, akin to sticking some crampons on whilst on a mountain ( http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/bulletin/with-this-sticky-tire-bike-in-the-snow/10681?tag=main;river ). With these, you should have a lot more grip but I'd personally still want to take it slow, especially approaching junctions & corners.
The other option is to take to the road. I do this anyway & these last few days in the snow, they have either been blissfully car free, or so blocked up with traffic, cyclists were overtaking huge queues (as is often the norm), so there's not too much worry about dangerous overtakes. I would say though, it's worth more than ever being assertive and ensuring you're not too close to the kerb. Far better to annoy the driver behind you a bit, than to hit a patch of ice or snow in the gutter and end up under their wheels.
The only other obstacle to cycling in the winter becomes your ability to cope with the cold. Here the mantra that there is no wrong weather, just the wrong clothes comes in handy! Get some decent gloves and socks, waterproofs & layer up. You can always take layers off as you warm up on your ride. Don't be afraid to start a little bit cold, you'll heat up quickly. Far quicker, in fact, than in a car!
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