How to Bike in Rain | Stay Safe on Wet Roads

Getting caught in a downpour doesn’t mean you need to stop. Leaves, oil patches, and puddle-hidden potholes add risk. Water washes chain lubricant off quickly, and rim brakes lose significant stopping power until dry. Plan on a full drivetrain cleanup and re-lube after every wet ride.

Ride Technique: Slower Inputs, Wider Margins

• Brake early and feather them. Squeeze gently well before stopping, then release and reapply. Abrupt braking on wet pavement locks a wheel almost instantly.
• Finish braking before corners. Do all slowing while the bike is straight up. Braking mid-turn shifts weight and invites a slide.
• Keep the bike upright in turns. Lean less than usual. Point your outside pedal down and inside knee toward the top tube. Look through the turn where you want to go.
• Ride straight over hazards. Cross painted lines or metal covers perpendicular, not at an angle.
• Check puddles before riding through them. If you cannot see the bottom, go around.

Gear That Makes Wet Riding Manageable

Our cycling gear roundup for wet weather covers tested jackets, gloves, and shoe covers. Key items:

• Waterproof jacket: Breathable, seam-sealed shell with a longer tail and close-fitting cuffs.
• Waterproof gloves and shoe covers: Neoprene shoe covers are the single biggest comfort upgrade.
• Helmet visor or cycling cap keeps rain off your face.
• Fenders stop road grime soaking your back and coating the drivetrain.
• Lights: Bright rear blinking and front lights keep you visible to drivers.

Per REI’s rain-riding guide, check the forecast and plan a route with backup options before rolling out.

Common Mistakes That Cause Crashes

Rain crashes stem from hard braking on painted crosswalks, leaning into turns over manhole covers, or riding into puddle-hidden potholes. Fix: slow down far enough in advance to never make sudden moves on slick surfaces. After the ride, dry and relube the chain, wipe brake tracks, and check brake pads for grit.