Bike Commuting Tips During Rainy Season

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It's near the end of the summer season and the rainy days is slowly showing its presence in Manila.

When you bike to work, like me, the last thing you want is get your stuff wet.  Consider this scenario, the diverse stuff on the streets of Manila (poop, oil, asphalt, dust and road kill remains) mixed with rain water spraying all over your face and clothes. Doesn't sound like a good idea to bike in the rain.

With bike commutes that take an hour, it is best to be prepared for the worst.  I've compiled a list of things to bring and tips to watch out for when biking in the rain.

These things are essential to at least be prepared when the rain suddenly pours on your trip.
  1. Fenders/Mudguards - Some people don't like the look of having these on your bikes. It's functional and it keeps the road mud from going to your face. 
    front and rear fenders
  2. Lights - Rain can decrease road visibility so its best to increase your visibility to motor vehicles by using front and rear lights. 
    cateye rapid 5 with cateye saddle mount
  3. Bag cover - If you carry a bag on your rear rack, you need to protect it from water by keeping a bag cover in your pack. I bought a cover for my backpack and luckily it also fits my duffel bag which I bring to work.
    sideout rain cover
  4. Rain Jacket - In cases where rain continues to pour for hours, it's best to have a rain jacket. It not only protects you from rain but also from hypothermia. Imagine yourself soaked and the wind comes chilling you more. You would expect a cold at least after braving the rain.
    feels like a sauna jacket
Aside from the essential rain gears, we need to be extra vigilant when riding in the rain. As you know, rain decreases road traction especially when using slick road tires. Here are some tips to keep in mind when riding in the rain.
  1. Road lines are especially slippery when wet. For us commuters who hug the gutter, these road lines are our bike lane. Keep in mind that braking when on this plasticky reflectorized line will most likely make your tires skid. 
  2. Man hole covers plus muddy rain water equals slippery surface. These metal covers are a hazard to 2 wheeled vehicles. 
  3. Oil slicks. When you see those shiny and rainbow coloured spots on the road, avoid them if possible. 
  4. Puddles are full of surprises. Muddy water can hide the depth of these puddles. Running into them at full speed and you realise at the last minute that its a deep sewage hole is an ugly scene to watch.
  5. Ride below your average speed. Keep in mind the added dangers of running on wet roads.
With all these said, we can still use our bike even if the rainy season has set in. We just need to be extra careful. Keep biking to work and save the environment.

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