Lately, Japan has been experiencing unusual weather, and it's common to find yourself suddenly caught in the rain when it was just sunny.

If you commute by bicycle, sudden changes in weather are unavoidable. The problem is that cycling in the rain is more dangerous than cycling in fine weather. Today, I'd like to talk about tips for safe bicycle commuting in the rain.

What measures should be taken on rainy days?

There are many factors that can increase danger on rainy days. For example, reduced braking performance and poor visibility due to rain mean countless possibilities for traffic accidents.

To avoid unfortunate accidents, keep your speed moderate. It is said that about 70% of your speed on a clear day is a good guideline. Also, maintain sufficient distance from other bicycles so that you can react if they suddenly stop. Although rainy days may require more time for preparation, it's precisely then that you should leave home with plenty of time. Even if you cycle slower than your usual speed, you can commute by bike with peace of mind. This is what's most important.

Additionally, to commute by bike in the rain, you need to prepare items that can handle the rain, such as wearing comfortable rain gear and using a bag made of water-repellent material.

No umbrella cycling!

The worst thing to do is ride with an umbrella. While you don't see it much with sports bikes, it's common with mamachari (utility bikes) and mini velos. Not only is it a violation of the Road Traffic Act, but it's also extremely dangerous. Riding with an umbrella means riding one-handed, making it difficult to balance and impossible to brake suddenly if a car suddenly appears. Furthermore, visibility is reduced, making it very dangerous.

Even I, who speaks so grandly, unfortunately fell while riding with an umbrella in the past, suffering a severe injury (3 months to recover) that fractured my right collarbone. Having experienced such pain, I certainly won't do it again, but I hope you all will be careful to avoid such incidents.

Nationwide, holding an umbrella while riding, fixing an umbrella to your bike with a device, and using a mobile phone, smartphone, earphones, or headphones while riding are all prohibited. Please be aware that violations are punishable by a fine of up to 50,000 yen. Losing 50,000 yen would certainly hurt your wallet.

Prepare rainwear

If you absolutely must commute by bike in the rain, it's recommended to wear rainwear before riding. However, if you ride a cross bike for about 20 minutes wearing regular rainwear, you'll get sweaty and steamy from the inside of the rainwear. Even if it prevents rain from outside, be careful as sweat can make your body wet and cold.

On the other hand, poncho-type rainwear is breathable, so it's less prone to stuffiness and convenient because you can wear it over your bag. However, it's not recommended as there's a risk of it flapping in the wind and getting caught in the wheels.

When commuting by bike, you should wear rainwear specifically designed for cycling and buy highly functional Gore-Tex rainwear. It might be a bit pricey, but you definitely won't regret buying it. Gore-Tex boasts high breathability, allowing you to ride comfortably without your skin feeling excessively sticky.

Riding at night in the rain is even more dangerous. Especially during heavy rain, if your light is dim, drivers won't be able to see your cross bike.

Therefore, even in the evening, if it's raining, turn on your rear light, wear bright rainwear, and use reflective materials in conspicuous places.

Nowadays, you can easily predict the movement of rain clouds with your smartphone. My personal recommendation for an app is "Yahoo! Weather." It provides easy-to-understand data on where it's raining, estimated start times for rain, and precipitation amounts, all for free.

Prior preparation is essential

If you have other commuting options besides cycling, such as trains or buses, you can choose not to commute by bike when it rains. For bicycle commuters who absolutely must ride, always carry rain gear. High-performance rain gear is light and folds down very small, so it won't be a nuisance to carry. This way, you can be prepared whenever it rains.

Choose a water-resistant bag

If you commute by bicycle, choose a water-resistant bag. Not only does it use water-resistant materials, but it's also designed to prevent water from getting inside, so you don't have to worry too much about a little rain. It would be a waste to damage your important belongings by getting them wet.

Be aware that grip is reduced.

As mentioned earlier, rainy days make road surfaces slippery, so caution is required. If the road surface is wet, sudden braking will not only cause you to slide and be unable to stop, but also increase the likelihood of falling if your tires lose grip.

Therefore, always slow down so you don't have to brake suddenly. Manholes and pedestrian crossings are very slippery, so as a precaution, avoid riding over them.

To increase tire grip, you can also let a little air out of your tires before riding. Don't forget to reinflate them after your ride.

Prepare fenders if you don't want to get your back dirty

Many cross bikes do not have fenders. Therefore, if road conditions are bad, the rear tire will splash muddy water from the road. Compared to ordinary bicycles, cross bike tires rotate at higher speeds, so splashed mud and water will fly high and dirty your back and helmet.

While many people may choose not to install fenders because they think it makes their bike look bad, I recommend detachable fenders for such individuals. Having fenders will eliminate worries about getting your body or bag dirty, so you should definitely install them.

Protecting your change of clothes is important for rainy commutes!

It's surprisingly easy to neglect keeping your change of clothes dry. Even if your body stays dry, if your change of clothes gets wet, you won't be able to work. Many cycling bags have models that are almost completely waterproof, but just in case, if it starts to rain, put your important belongings in a plastic bag to protect them from getting wet.

What to do after returning home

After returning home and changing clothes, there are many items that require care, such as your cross bike, bag, and shoes. Once you've taken care of yourself, take care of your cross bike and bag as well.

A cloth is useful not only for wiping moisture from the cross bike frame but also for cleaning dirt off the chain.

Lubricate your cross bike

Moisture is the enemy of cross bikes. If left untreated, it can cause rust and malfunctions. Use a cloth or dry rag to wipe off any moisture from your cross bike.

In addition to the frame, pay attention to the chain.

Unlike the frame, the chain is not coated with resin and is prone to rust. If possible, apply a special oil that can be used even when wet, immediately after returning home.

If you live in a rainy region and commute by bike frequently, it's a good idea to choose a wet-type oil for regular use. It's water-resistant and doesn't evaporate easily, making it perfect for daily commuters.

As you can see, commuting by bicycle in the rain is extremely dangerous, so sufficient preparation and care are necessary. If the rain is clearly heavy, don't force yourself to commute by bike; use public transportation instead. As the seasons progress and the weather worsens, there will be times when it rains, but we hope to enjoy riding while dealing with the rain well.