The local biking community is pedaling through less-than-ideal winter conditions in Iowa City this January, but bikers say that with the right equipment and experience, riders can stay safe.

University of Iowa Associate Professor of Instruction and member of Iowa City Cycling Club Steven Spears said that, although winter conditions can make biking a challenge, it can actually be really rewarding — with the right amount of preparation.

“It’s a different kind of riding, and so it’s just something that gets you out of the routine,” Spears said.

Spears said that people ride bikes at higher rates in some cities even colder than Iowa City. He said that Minneapolis, which often experiences more freezing temperatures than Iowa City, has one of the highest rates of people biking to work. The importance lies in infrastructure and the availability of bike lanes to bikers, Spears said.

Spears’ research also indicates that the Cedar Rapids biking community has benefited from complex biking infrastructure and separating bike lanes from traffic.

“It does seem to be making a big difference in the number of riders,” he said. “So, for people who are beginners especially, that feeling of having a bike lane where you have a space that you can ride and you feel protected is important.”

Spears added that confidence is an important component of riding in the winter. When bike lanes are obstructed by snow, it is important that bikers are assertive on the road in order to maintain their place in traffic.

“Take as much space as you need, and make sure you’re visible, using lights and bright clothing,” he said