Hiver à vélo is a Vélo Québec campaign aimed at demystifying winter cycling and inviting Quebecers to give it a try.
Give it a try!
Winter brings beautiful days and snow-cleared roads for cycling. This makes it possible to enjoy the pleasures of being outdoors while saving time on our journeys. Feel like giving it a try? Discover tips and advice on winter cycling and join the 180,000 cyclists in Quebec who cycle at least once between December and March.
Myths and cycling... in winter
Thinking of getting around by bike this winter? Not sure? Vélo Québec debunks some 4-season cycling myths.
Adapting your bike for winter
If you want to get started, you can use the same bike that carries you every other month of the year, adapting it for winter riding!
Dressing for winter riding
If you dress appropriately and follow these basic tips, you'll realize that there's no reason to deprive yourself of year-round riding pleasure!
Cycling tips and advice
Vélo Québec presents inspiring portraits of student, parent and professional cyclists of all ages for whom the cold is far from an obstacle to winter cycling.
I ride in winter because I've never really seen any reason to stop in the autumn. When I started in 1993, everyone around me was cycling. Over the years, I've gotten better and better equipped.
A word of advice?
The most important thing about winter cycling is to have fun! My advice is to start simply, ideally away from rush-hour traffic, to get used to the cold and the road.
I've been biking in winter for nearly ten years for speed... and laziness (I hate walking or waiting for the bus)!
A word of advice?
Start small: short runs on cold days, dry roads, no traffic, multi-layer clothing, ski goggles and GOOD SHOES for braking from behind; and be VISIBLE! If you like it, get a studded tire in front and a snow tire in back.
On weekends, we take advantage of sunny days to cycle to the shops. It gives us a big boost of energy on the shortest days of the year.
A word of advice?
Start with short distances on safe residential streets in your neighborhood. Don't forget that cycling heats up, so be careful not to overdress.
Year-round cycling means I can continue to be active on a daily basis, while enjoying the outdoors every day.
A word of advice?
With my son, I opt for studded tires for greater safety. Learn about the different types of snow and ice so you can adapt your driving accordingly.
I love being able to get around, do sport and enjoy the beauty of winter on two wheels. There's nothing in life that stops me, and winter's not going to start doing that.
A word of advice?
There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. So clothing is one of the key points of winter cycling!
I cycle in winter because it's just as efficient, fast and enjoyable as in summer. What's more, it allows us to fully embrace our nordicity on a daily basis, not just on weekends!
A word of advice?
To build up your confidence, take your first winter bike trip on the weekend, on a quiet street, with a small carpet of snow and a bike fitted with studded tires... You'll inevitably be charmed by the crisp rolling of your tires on the snow and the fresh air that fills your lungs and propels you towards adventure!