Beat the weather
Chris Boardman, Former Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester"There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing."
Rainy Manchester?
Greater Manchester actually has slightly lower yearly rainfall than cycling Utopia, Amsterdam!
Bad weather? No problem.
If the weather is a reason you’re avoiding cycling or walking part or all of your journey, it doesn’t have to be! No matter what the weather, we have some easy fixes and top tips to make sure you’re journey-ready.
Too hot?
No one wants to arrive sweaty and flustered, but don’t panic because you’re still in Greater Manchester after all! The average temperature is 9°C, with the hottest month of July averaging around 15°C.
Ride slightly slower, don’t wear as many layers and you’ll be good to go, enjoying a nice breeze on the way!
Worried about winter?
This is the time to invest in some proper kit, make sure you’re warm and ready for potentially tricky weather conditions.
For example, wear a skullcap or buff under your helmet – make sure your head stays warm. Gloves and overshoes will help you retain heat and stay warm and grippy shoes and pedals will stop your feet from slipping. Don’t forget lights too, it’s incredibly important to be seen as the days get shorter and nights get darker – clean and charged lights are vital.
Once you’re ready, there are tweaks and checks you can make to make sure your bike is ready for the change in season. Our bike maintenance sessions give you an overview and the confidence to keep your bike road-ready throughout the winter months.
Rain ready?
Greater Manchester might be known for its wet weather, but it’s actually only the 15th wettest city-region in the country. Getting caught in the rain while you’re cycling or travelling on foot is less likely to happen than you might think, but when it does, make sure you’re ready.
No one wants to ride soaked, so invest in some good waterproofs and you’re good to go. You can also get waterproof covers for your helmet and seat for additional comfort.
Sarah's story
Sarah cycles because she likes her independence and she doesn't have to worry about finding a parking space. She has cycled through thunderstorms and lightning storms and every time her "trusty steed" has got her home.