Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling

by Tom Babin

The bicycle is fast becoming a ubiquitous form of transportation in cities all over the world, making our urban spaces more efficient, more livable and healthier. But many of those bicycles disappear into basements and garages when the warm months end, parked there by owners fearful of the cold, snow and ice that winter brings. But does it have to be that way?Canadian writer and journalist Tom Babin started questioning this dogma after being stuck in winter commuter traffic one dreary and cold December morning and dreaming about the happiness that bicycle commuting had brought him all summer long. So he did something about it. He pulled on some thermal underwear, dragged his bike down from the rafters of his garage and set out on a mission to answer a simple but beguiling question: is it possible to happily ride a bike in winter? That question took him places he never expected. Over years of trial and error, research and more than his share of snow and ice, he discovered an unknown history of biking for snow and ice, and a new generation designed to make riding in winter safe and fun. He unearthed the world's most bike-friendly winter city and some new approaches to winter cycling from places all over the world. He also looked inward, to discover how the modern world shapes our attitudes toward winter. And perhaps most importantly, he discovered the unique kind of bliss that can only come by pedalling through softly falling snow on a quiet winter night.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cycling, Urbanism, Bicycles, Sports, Canada

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 2014

Reviews

[Heather Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I was impressed. For a book about a sport that I don't participate in (or even particularly enjoy) this book was very interesting and addictivley engaging.

So no, I'm not a biker, and I'm definitely not an "ice biker" (as I refer to them) but the history of the sport, the experiments undertaken by the author, and the worldwide views on cycling (and winter in general) opened my eyes. This is a new world, people!

The author's commitment to conquering winter, and his eternal optimism were refreshing, and made for an enjoyable read.

Even if you're not into biking, you'll understand it a lot better by the end of the book. What makes people do it, the benefits that can be had, and the addiction it becomes.

OK, now I've got to go. I need a new bike.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started a new job 2.5 miles from our house at the end of August. My goal was to bike to work every day. I had been biking to my old job (14 miles each way) during the summer, so this newer, much shorter commute was not a problem. In fact, it takes about the same time as driving does in fair weather.

As a family, we wanted to determine if we could become a one-car household. During the warmer months, this would undoubtedly be not an issue. My commute only has me on a road shared with cars for about 1 mile of it. After that, I hop on a bike path across a bridge, swing through a low-traffic parking lot, and then back on another mixed-use trail that crosses over the highway interchange right in front the office. In the summer, this commute is brilliant. The portion of the ride shared with cars is on a quiet residential road. Some mornings, I don't see any cars on it.

But, much like what Babin discusses in the book, winter sort of loomed large over me. Upstate New York can have some brutally cold days in the winter. We also get a fair amount of snow in a typical season. So, as summer waned into fall, I knew the real test of my determination would set in. It's now mid-way through February and I have continued to bike in every day -- in wind chills as low as -30F. Statistically, we're through the coldest of winter.

I wanted to read Babin's book to learn about others' thoughts and experiences riding year-round in "winter cities". I wanted to see that I wasn't a crazy person for wanting to do this. People have been going about their lives outside in winter up until the relatively recent takeover of conditioned living spaces, warmed metal cages on wheels that zip around at high speed, and the equating of freedom of movement with a car to the "Freedom" of the American variety. Why couldn't I?

Further, though, I wanted to hear others' stories and experiences. To learn about what makes for a good winter commute, in a bike-friendly city. What types of things will encourage and make it easier for a person to push pedals to work, with particular focus on the winter. Why? Well, like many city planners and skeptics mentioned in "Frostbike", the question of winter seemed to be the most relevant roadblock for those of us living in "winter cities". And a question that always gets brought up from concerned coworkers and family members: When will you put away your bike for the year? How cold is too cold for you to ride? Or, from city planners: Why should we spend money on bicycling infrastructure that will only be used for part of the year? Babin responds: Why should we put money towards outdoor baseball diamonds? Swimming pools? No one asks that about other summer things. Even if you accept that bicycle commuting is a fair-weather activity (Babin does not, and has a good rejection of it), why does that mean we shouldn't invest in it, seeing as we already invest in all sorts of seasonal infrastructure?

"Frostbike" shows us that, no, the winter doesn't have to be a big, bad boogeyman. Sure, it's inevitable that fewer people may ride when conditions worsen, but maybe that's only because the worsening conditions make it impractical and more difficult to ride. If that's the case, are there ways that this can be mitigated? Are there places that have successfully done so?

Yes. How? Well, the simple answer is basically the same way we have made it easier for people to drive their cars in the winter: Provide adequate infrastructure to travel by bike, and keep that infrastructure clear, safe, and well-maintained.

That's it? Almost. Unfortunately, there may be something psychologically deeper that needs to be addressed. Folks who live in places where winter bike commuting is just bike commuting tended to be perplexed by the question about why they continue to ride through winter. To most of them, it seemed winter just is. It's not something that you can help or avoid -- though we've certainly tried. In the same way you might bring some extra water on a really hot day, you just pop on a coat and gloves on a cold one. Their attitude towards winter was not one of disdain, avoidance, or hostility. It was a healthy appreciation of the potential dangers, coupled with an understanding that winter is just part of life. You don't have to love it to get through it.

I think the most interesting part of Babin's book is his realization that part of the issue with winter cycling being seen as extreme or stupid is the fact that our perception of winter is so hostile. It's just part of the year that you have to survive to get to the nice parts of the year. Hunker down. Stay inside. Don't go outside unless you have to. When this is your attitude towards winter, it's no wonder that most people dislike it and scoff at the idea of cycling in the winter.

But what if you actively tried to enjoy winter. Babin starts off trying to make a more concerted effort to enjoy winter by participating in winter sports, like skiing, snow-shoeing, etc. And these are great things! And that does make him enjoy winter more. I've noticed the same thing for me personally. If I get down in the winter, I realize it's usually because I haven't spent any time outside, being active.

The true revelation, and I think it's really the crux of the book, is that enjoying winter doesn't have to mean just doing winter sports. It means just living life like you would during other times of the year, with slight modifications to protect from the potential dangers of snow, ice, and cold. Once you do that, of course you would continue to commute by cycle during the winter, right? Be aware of the challenges of the season, just as you would for all seasons, but treat it like just any other season. It's easy to understand, but changing perceptions is a very difficult thing to do.

I think he comes down to the below formula for successful year-round cycling:

* Ensure there is safe, well-maintained infrastructure. During the summer, that may mean eliminating deep spots of standing water, pot holes, etc. In the winter, that means keeping the path clear of ice and snow. The easiest way to get people to cycle as a means of transportation is to make it a viable, efficient, and easy way to get around. Once you do that, then you'd be surprised at how much less of an issue cycling in the winter is.
* Focus on getting people to commute by bike at all. Make it easy, direct, and enjoyable. If more people commute period, more people will inevitably commute year-round.
* Respect the winter, by dressing appropriately, but don't fear the season. Understand that a comfortable winter commute, just like a comfortable winter life, may require different gear, but that doesn't make it miserable. Avoidance begets disdain, so try to live your life as you would during other times of the year.
* It's not an all-or-nothing proposition. There may be days where it is too cold, too icy, too whatever for you to feel comfortable riding in. So then don't. Take the bus, walk, run, take your car. Don't feel guilty. Any commute you take without a car is a better commute than with it, so feel good about the times you have cycled in.

[Regina McCreary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Babin’s Frostbike explores the feasibility of winter cycling and investigates the conditions under which it flounders or flourishes. The book is well written, with an approachable tone that made it an easy and enjoyable read. Broken into three sections, The Bike, The City, The Attitude, it looks at the various internal and external factors which most affect the intrepid winter cyclist.

What I liked best about this book was the sense of validation I felt - I too have ridden through the Calgary winter for the last few years and have been in many of the situations and had similar reactions to those Babin describes. It is always entertaining to read about familiar places so I think the Calgary-ness of his stories of day to day utilitarian cycling really appealed to me. The book isn’t confined to that, though. There are also stories of the beginnings of winter riding, the rise of winter bike design and other matters of equipment and costume. Babin also visits other northern cities to see how they make it practical to ride year-round and investigates our own culture’s general aversion to winter, something which I must admit I have never shared nor clearly understood.

For example Babin notes the way Oulu, Finland, the self-proclaimed best winter cycling city, grooms its pathways to leave a thin hard pack of snow, a perfect riding surface far less prone to icing than bare pavement. That and ample lighting to allow riding at night - it is always night in the winter at 65° north - made me dream of how it could be here. I had hoped he might investigate Montreal as a perfect counterfactual - the greatest bike city on our continent yet their fantastic bike network is simply closed Oct 15 - May 15 - I’m curious to know why.

I think the intent of the book is to encourage the winter bike-curious to give it a shot, and if so, I hope it succeeds. As much as I enjoyed it, I am already among the converted. I think the people who will benefit most from reading this are those who currently hang up their bikes for the winter. There is a section where Babin analyzes how few days are truly too miserable to ride, at various thresholds of miserableness. Like him, when I started riding in the winter my threshold for temperature and surface conditions was pretty timid yet I was still able to ride quite a lot. As the months and years go by confidence improves, thresholds shift ever colder, and strangely you begin to feel like riding is less intrepid and more just a normal, reasonable way to get around, winter or not.

[Rafa Morais Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gostei muito

[Karli Zschögner · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most enjoyable and informative books I have read! I recommend this light, winding, and inspiring creative non-fiction personal journey and guide in navigating finding love and accessibility for everyone in the love, ease, and practicality of cycling year-round! I recommend this book to any (aspiring) city planner, bike lover, appreciator, or skeptic, vehicle owner, bus rider, and or anyone seeking greater meaning, life, challenge, or freedom in their life!

As someone who bike rides year-round - including through the Ottawa and other city and urban winters, it helps make what feels like a solitary no-brainer while everyone thinks you're crazy, Calgary Journalist Tom Babin brings the same curious observations while breaking cultural stigmas of winter through weaved stories, facts, statistics, fascinating history, and other cultural norms that help reconnect us to the beauty and accessibility of winter (Oulu, Finland is now my winter destination travel bucket list), and most importantly towards more mentally healthy and sustainable lives. The bike rack porn observations are a hoot and will totally consider them as such now!

[John Barclay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book better. He sounded like someone who was going to tell fun stories and give important and useful info about winter cycling. Instead I got a lot of repetition and half thought out stuff. Lots of neat stories about cycling in Northern Europe, very little practical about Canadian challenges.

He assumes that cold is the main thing that stops people riding in the winter. In my experience it is not, it is ice, wet and slush that stops us. Toronto is (as usual) described as not a real winter city, and we are therefore all wimps who just need to toughen up and get out there. ARGGH!

[Martin Lindholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being kind of an aspiring cyclist, I really enjoyed Tom Babin’s take on winter cycling. Given that the book is now 10 years old, some of the revelations may have become a little dusty, but remains true all the same.

It was really fun reading about the Finnish city of Oulu and Tom’s visit there. It’s very telling about the Finnish people and their sisu and it makes you wanna go visit the city yourself.

The author goes on to visit Copenhagen — featured in another couple of chapters in the book — and I can only concur with his observations. Living across the bridge, on the Swedish side, I still visit the Danish capital often enough to recognise Tom’s observations. There are bikes everywhere and the MAMIL’s are in good company with sharp-dressed men and women.

I believe his conclusions — basically that you’ll have to embrace winter, not cycling in particular — are true for the vast majority of North-Americans (whom seem to be the target audience for this book), while we Scandinavians have already climbed the mountain of snow, ice and freezing temperatures. As for myself, I find darkness to be the most repellent feature of winter cycling. Lights are yet another thing to add to the setup list, and they’re difficult to get right. You either risk blinding car drivers, fellow cyclists and pedestrians, or you’re forced to slow down to accommodate less efficient lighting. I guess this isn’t that much of an issue in the city, but when riding 20 kilometres from a village to the city, albeit on a separated cycling lane, this becomes a challenge.

Nevertheless, Tom’s book is inspiring. It makes a good read for anyone who contemplates cycling during the colder months of the year.

[Bill Leach · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about winter cycling. The author starts winter biking in Calgary, describing his early experiences including choosing bikes. He ends up settling on a Specialized Rockhopper which he converts to single speed. Interestingly, he explores the fat tire bikes but rejects them.

Intrigued by the the greater number of winter cyclists in Scandinavia, he visits Oulu, Finland and Copenhagen. These cities have implemented significant bike infrastructure, making it much easier for the inhabitants to use bikes in preference to cars (the high cost of cars is probably a factor). Most people dress for their destination, use upright bikes and travel at lower speeds.

However, he realizes that there is more to it than the bike facilities, concluding that it is also a matter of attitude. He finds that the people in these cities accept winter, not allowing it to interfere with their activities. The last third of the book is a retrospective on winter and the cold.

An interesting read on a very specialized subject. Many people bike in the winter in Calgary - in fact, he mentions research that concluded that most were men over 44 years of age.

Having commuted in the winter by bike myself for years (also in Calgary), I found that distances were not sufficiently factored into the discussion. While a 10 km trip at -20 C is quite doable, greater distances involve more problems of freezing hands, feet and face. Moreover, reasonable travel time entails higher speed, more sweating, more wind cooling, a need for showers, and the inability to dry one's cycling wear.

[Bob Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Frostbike at Powell's on a recent visit to Portland Oregon, a city that doesn't typically have much of a winter. It was the first time I became aware of the book and as a winter cyclist in northern Iowa (an area I affectionately refer to as Baja Minnesota), I was hopeful that I would get some perspective that would help me as I struggle through the cold, dark months.

I say hopeful because although I am an avid cyclist who manages to ride just about every single day, most bicycle books really disappoint me. Far too many are all about infrastructure. Others are about public policy. Some are about training. Most tend to be a little preachy. Interestingly enough, very few are actually about cycling.

Frostbike is about cycling, first and foremost. Tom Babin weaves infrastructure, technique and urban planning into the mix, but really this is a book full of practical perspective on how to cycle better when the snow and ice fly. It flows well and is never dull. It's an absolutely delightful read.

Frostbike is one of the best, if not the absolute best, book on cycling that I've ever read. If you live in a place where winter is slippery and dark, it is a must read. I'd suggest that even people who live elsewhere read it. It's that good.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an unexpected read for a person who has lived within 100 miles of the Gulf of Mexico for most of his life. Winter isn't really present most years and, even when it is, it doesn't last long. If anything, the coolness and short-lived cold are welcome as an antidote for months of heat and humidity.

So, why read this? In part, to get a feel, however distant, for what a cold, snowy, wet winter is like for a bicycle rider. In part, because I want to really feel those conditions and, being so alien to me, I am both drawn to winter and fearful of it.

Frostbike offers both hope and solace to a person like me. Hope in that there are many ways to successfully ride in the winter, most of which originate internally. Solace in that there are many people who ride in what I would currently consider extreme conditions. If they can do it, in theory, I can do it.

All I need to do now is move somewhere winter is real.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think this says anything that hasn't been said in his YouTube videos, which is fair because this book is getting relatively old and he's made a lot of content, but it does go a bit more in-depth. I also kind of ruined this book for myself by not finishing it until March, when the worst of winter is over and I've already conquered a whole winter riding my bike nearly every day. So maybe I didn't learn much but I think that's my own fault for being slow at reading. Either way it's not a bad time and you'll certainly be able to take something away from this if you've ever even thought of riding a bike.

[Trevor McGuire · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's basically a long blog post that says "North Americans are different than Europeans" in as many ways as possible. There were some funny parts and it was definitely less obnoxious the BikeSnodNYC or whatever the other blogger's name is who wrote the book about biking in Europe.

Side note: I absolutely don't believe for one second all the instances of the author getting funny looks or side eyes or curious glances, etc. A dad playing in the snow with his kids caused people to look disapprovingly out their windows? No it didn't. There was a lot of ego in this book that got a little tiresome. Oh, also, Finland isn't Scandinavian, but that's a really common mistake.

[Jim Bostjancic · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a cyclist having personally "hit a frozen spot beneath the pavement" was immediately engaged by "Frostbike." It is written by You Tube star and Canadian cycling guru Tom Babin, touching on everything from cycling keeping cities vibrant, pop culture winter movie references in "The Shining" and "The Thing," to children relishing infamous Canadian winters. Also one great way to incorporate exercise into your work commute and can save you a ton of money on gas, repairs, and insurance if you ever go car-less.

[Devin Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant look at winter and cities

Tom Babin does a great job of taking the holistic approach to understanding not just cyclist's fear of winter, but our societal perspective on the season. Great insights aboun on the design of bicycle-friendly cities, and, specifically winter bicycle-friendly cities and develop a compelling narrative on why taking back 1/4 of the year for cycling is so important.

[Jcphene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for bike commuters. Commuting to work on your bicycle in Calgary in the winter is certainly a challenge. Fogged glasses and frozen fingers, slushy snow, iced up chains challenge the most resilient Calgarians. But as Babbin says (p. 50) "A good ride in the winter is something you quietly put adjacent to your heart; an unspoken victory filed away for times of weakness and need, to be pulled out when you require a reminder of what you are capable of."

[Iris Yu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read that examines the different attitudes and approaches to inclement weather, discussed through the lens of cycling. It was hard to pin down what the thesis for this book was at the beginning, the epilogue may be better suited at the beginning rather than at the end; it was a good wrap up, but would be an even better introduction.

[Nate G · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at cycling infrastructure and habits that goes beyond the "Amsterdam is the best and that's that". Thoughtful contemplation and observations on city and self, around the world.

If you commute by bicycle during the summer, you should read this.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring without being preachy. The gist? Just pick any bike and do it. We've built a mental barrier that stands much higher than what reality has to offer. Lots of data, anecdotal stories from abroad, and some no nonsense practical advise. Highly recommend.

[Jonathan Shaheen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely biased because I love Tom and his YouTube channel. He does an amazing job of describing the fun in cycling even in less than ideal conditions. Highly recommend to anyone trying to understand that “crazy” bike commuter/cyclist in their life.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fun! A little slow for me at the beginning with the history of fat bikes, but once Tom moved onto his experiences the entire book was a fun educational read, leaving me inspired to fix up my old POS.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically we’re all soft. Winters not that bad, put a coat on.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and instructive.

[Dave Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, thoughtful, and interesting book about winter cycling by a winter commuter in Calgary. Covers bikes and gear, civic infrastructure, and motivation in a practical (non-preachy) and witty way.

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read especially if you like biking and more so if you're into winter biking. It's definitely not a guide to winter biking but it does take a look at the reasons people may or may not bike in the winter as well as the author's journey into winter cycling. It makes some interesting comparisons about how North American's and Europeans deal with winter in general.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Babin is a journalist currently at the Calgary Herald. One day instead of getting stuck in winter traffic, he digs out his bike, some long johns, and starts pedalling! But why don't more people bike in the winter? Babin sets out to dispel myths, provide tips, explore bike cities around the world and ultimately encourage everyone to ride through the snow.

Frostbike is split into 3 sections. First is The Bike. Do you need a special bike to ride in the winter? Babin describes the winter bikes of the past, tests out a fat bike, and talks about the trial and error mods for his own bike. He discovers that with a few minor tweaks, you can ride any bike in the winter. So surely that's not stopping most people from winter biking?

Next is The City. Perhaps the most controversial, Babin talks about winter bike infrastructure, politics, and snow removal. He travels to the top winter biking cities to learn how all the people move around on their bikes and discovers bike infrastructure helps, but people bike in all sorts of cities with all sorts of winter issues.

Finally is The Attitude. Why did we stop playing outside in the winter? Why does no one ever walk around town in the snow? Why are outdoor winter sports participation rates dropping? Why don't we enjoy winter anymore? His advice? Just try it! And Babin closes the books with tips to help you love it.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about winter biking, or to those who are wise winter bike veterans - Babin's book is an easy quick read that is informative and interesting. It's inspiring too, it might get you on two wheels.

Honestly, it was a tough sell in the beginning but I'm so glad I got into winter biking! It's harder in the winter, and it takes longer and sometimes it's cold and slippy but it's still better than getting stuck in traffic! I'm looking forward to the spring/summer/fall bike season, but next winter you'll find me and my handmedown mountain bike with studded tires back on the road. Try it! You'll like it!

[cellomerl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like author Tom Babin, I've fallen in love with cycle commuting. I began as a fair-weather cyclist, and gradually started to morph into something else. It felt terrible to put away my bike on the first of November. I admired the crazy people who could continue to ride all winter. I put fenders and racks and panniers on my bike, bought a rain Cape and rain pants, started wearing a wide brimmed hat, now I'm riding at near zero temperatures. Now I'm thinking about studded tires and disc brakes and internally geared hubs. Planning my wardrobe around Smartwool socks and merino base layers. Things are starting to look sort of hard core. Wow. As the author says, there's no reason why everyone who wants to can't ride a bike all winter. There are some nice anecdotes on winter cycling history, and thought provoking points on how cities can make their infrastructure more bike-friendly in general, and for winter riding in particular. I hope Mr Babin will write a few more books.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

My friend Gerilee recommended this to me, and it was really a neat book. About too long by half, but that's par for the course with this genre of journalistic NF, in which the author talks about himself a lot. Tom Babin, from Calgary, really wants to understand midwinter cycling, and he goes to great lengths -- literally, goes to Scandinavia -- to gain some insight. His story is pretty interesting, and his practical tips, especially from the Europeans, are inspiring. No, you don't need fancy winter clothing. Just bundle up and ride. Yes, you need fatter tires is you want to ride in snow, but don't expect to go fast. After reading this, I was totally inspired to commute by bike all winter long here in Vancouver. However, the first dark, rainy, poor-visibility night that all crumbled for me. Still, I liked the book. Perhaps for places where it's not so damned wet.

[Tomio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for any bike commuter considering riding in the winter.

This year I changed from an occasional bike commuter to an every day one. The most challenge I have faced thus far is riding in the pouring rain. I have gone from fear of losing control of my bike and getting wet on those days to actual enjoying it on most rainy days. Ridding in the rain has become normal for me.

Now I face the winter months. I have faced a few days of cold and snowy weather so far, so I have taste of this winter commuting but the actual winter has yet to begin. This book has helped me prepare for cycling in the winter. I love Tom's attitude towards commuting in the winter. Great book!

[Jaima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read. I enjoyed the exploration of why we don't cycle, and the message I took away--ultimately, it isn't equipment, poor urban planning, or temperature that thwarts the would be cyclist. It's us, deciding to ride or not. I feel inspired to get out and ride (more). Wish he'd commented more on my own winter love, XC skiing. It's true, that the more you get out, the easier it gets and the less you care about the 'hardships' of winter. I've come to love the six month winters where I live and am sad every year when the melt comes.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me realize that I'm not really a winter wimp anymore and I intend to try extending my cycling season this year. Hiking all this winter made me realize how enjoyable it is outside. It's all a matter of dressing for it and having a good route. The author travelled to bike friendly areas like Copenhagen and Finland where residents naturally use bikes even in the winter because it's easier getting around. Lots of food for thought in this book.