Black Ice - The Hidden Threat for Cyclists

>Black ice is back. It is one of the most harmful threats for cyclists at this time of the year. The only way to deal with it is with awareness, attention and care. It can cause a cyclist to have a dangerous wipe out  instantly because it eliminates the traction and stability that is needed to stay upright. 

>Wiping out on black ice can be reduced if you, go slower, avoid using your front brake as often and especially when turning. Lowering your tire pressure might help to increase traction. Also, using a lower gear can help. 

Because of the instability black ice causes when riding, one must ride more deliberately and concentrate on their balance and use less counter balance in turns to remain stable.

Don't let black ice wipe you out. Ride aware and ride safely. 

A few helpful articles:

http://www.bikeradar.com/us/road/gear/article/cycling-in-icy-condit...

http://www.icebike.org/winter-cycling-techniques-for-any-kind-of-sn...

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David P. on December 6, 2016 at 5:22am

Also, studs.

You will be most likely to find black ice on the south side of east-west streets, in the shade.

Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on December 6, 2016 at 6:24am

I'll just leave this here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efiW2K8gASM

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on December 9, 2016 at 6:28am
Dangerous . . . ! :-)

https://youtu.be/LbTNTOF5SCQ
Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on December 7, 2016 at 5:41am
Yes, black ice (invisible- transparent-pavement appearing- thin ice) IS MUCH MORE DANGEROUS than regular ice. I posted this now, at the beginning of winter cycling season to keep awareness up for this real hidden danger. Last winter I recall from this forum, a number of cyclists wiping out and injuring themselves badly enough to require a emergency room visit.

I wouldn't want to see any fellow cyclists injure themselves from riding unaware on any type of hazardous surface.

But sheesh - good luck to you not falling down from it one day. . . .
Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on December 7, 2016 at 6:57am
It has that distinction (for traffic reporters and meteorologists) because of its appearance in low light conditions (early am, late pm). Yes, ice is clear but it does mix with particulates from the environment and acquires the colors associated with it.
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on December 7, 2016 at 8:20am

If it's difficult or impossible to see before you hit it, it poses a greater hazard because it's tougher to avoid. Just my $0.02. Your mileage may vary.

Permalink Reply by Tiberculosis on December 7, 2016 at 9:11am

Those are some really great articles. I think some in this thread are 'icing' over them in favor of the black ice topic. On that note though...I think most that have ridden a winter or two can identify the times when ice can be present. Staying cool is probably one of the most important things. If you've ever ridden rollers, riding on ice is kinda like that at first. It's scary, you can spill pretty easily. Work on your balance, develop your core, don't freak out. 

Permalink Reply by Barry Niel Stuart on December 8, 2016 at 3:22pm

Heck, I didn't need to be biking to fall on black ice.  About four winters ago on March 15, I slipped on some black ice walking from a local church and fell in front of a house across the street.  The homeowner had shoveled his walk earlier in the day, but because of a freeze-thaw cycle that day, black ice formed on his sidewalk.  I went to the nearest emergency room when I found something wrong with my arm.  It turned out I had a broken radius on my left arm.  Ten days later, a titanium plate was installed in that arm and I had to re3learn several simple household chores, like opening cans, bottles, and jars.  Ever try to open a pickle jar with only one hand?

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on December 9, 2016 at 4:02am

Sorry to hear it. That's rough. I've broken my tailbone while walking twice due to black ice. Once it was on an otherwise clear-looking sidewalk and really was invisible. The other time it was under a light layer of fresh snow.

Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on December 10, 2016 at 7:05pm

Ouch.  That is a painful injury.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on December 11, 2016 at 11:36am

Quite literally a huge pain in the ass.

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on December 12, 2016 at 8:14pm
12-12-16 Well, it(ice) got me today. I went straight down like the guy in the pic above. I had just finished shoveling the front steps and was on the landing(there's a coating of ice every where) made a quick turn and was down hard on my kiester(luckily).
The amazing part was that a guy that was passing by, drivng a car(!) who saw me fall, backed up to check on me. ('Are you okay?') Still stunned I rose(assessing the pain) waved and said, 'I'm okay,(I think) thank you very much!'
I hope this isn't a long winter. . . (please)

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