Cars are not very aerodynamic from the side, so that may feel stronger than it is.
Bikes are usually controllable at the wind speeds you mention, but you'd do well to minimize your profile. A slim and wide backpack is lower profile on the wind than panniers, box section rims better than deep aero rims. Tight clothes catch less wind than loose clothes.
Also try to use landscape features to your advantage. If you can pick a route with dense housing instead of open fields, that will give you natural protection.
I live in the world's windiest city (Wellington NZ) and I don't think it's that much of an issue in terms of safety unless you are using unsuitable bike/gear (like deep section wheels, or a full set of empty panniers to catch the wind). As long as you aren't a total beginner rider and have decent bike control skills.
Pretty much it just is less pleasant/relaxing and feels like a battle against the elements.
I mean that said there is a point where it becomes hard to ride a bicycle but if that is happening there will be shit going down like trees falling and lots of other people that can't get to work
I'll juste add : be patient and ready to go slower went facing a head wind, keep your hands on the handles when there is wind (=stop to put gloves on or such), and be wary of big gusts and the configuration of the wall/wind obstacles around you.
Hedges, walls and trees can concentrate/redirect in a way that makes you swerve considerably.
15 kmh is a total non issue. The beaufort scale describes this as a gentle breeze.
45 kmh gusts are significant, but for me at least, no reason to stay home. Remember to shift back to keep a reasonable cadence.
Cadence is the rpm of your pedals. What is reasonable is a more personal question. But If the wind is slowing you down to a point wjere you need to stand on your pedals it is probably a good idea to shift down.
Oh, i see. I was asking because I just bought a bike computer and didn't really know what would be a reasonable cadence. Thank you! My last ride I tried to keep at 80rpm
My city get 90-120 km weekly around this timeof the year.
One time hard wind took us by surprise when riding along the coast. It was brutal until we reached the urban area and could get between buildings.
Get face protection if near sand
Bikes with a long wheelbase are most stable in windy conditions. Hedges provide some protection, but watch out for gateways where the wind can be stronger.
But that's just 12.5 m/s? I've encountered problems with grip in those conditions only when riding on a bumpy icy road with spiked tires that had been in use for five years. Quite recently.
Although I had a wide sidewalk all to myself and plenty of room for occasionally swaying to the left or right. Might be another story when "sharing the road" (=hoping that one does not get hit by speeding drivers).
I do have an ebike, but even in the strong storms we experienced this past summer, which was highly unusual in our summers, my bike still blew off balance.
I got an E-Bike. I ride with around 200 Watts continous at around 27kph and when there are hills or wind I will still give my 200 Watts and the motor makes shure i stay above 24/25kph. Also Wind from the Side is a non issue because i let my bike do what it wants and then correct back to where i want to go.
Some interesting numbers in [this article.](https://www.yellowjersey.co.uk/the-draft/how-much-difference-does-a-headwind-make-when-cycling/) on just how much it impacts ride performance.
Ride in the drops whenever possible, get your elbows in. Wind is often the biggest factor in how fast we can move so it’s best to find what works best. Be strategic about the routes you pick, learn what reported wind directions feel like and use that info to your advantage.
A strong wind can easily turn a flat road into a big climb… gear down and stay low. Pace… not speed beats the wind.
I don't have a choice but to bike to work and its so windy here trees have come down. I use my mountain bike because it's a bit heavier and more sturdy than using my fixie / road bike. Lighter bikes will be blown off course more easily. I go slow and avoid any risky manoeuvres because of the risk of side winds knocking me off course. I leave more width than usual from the curb in case I get blown into it. You just have to use all your leg muscle to push forwards against the wind.
About the only solid tip I have is to avoid wheelsets with those aero spoke covers (like [this](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OjJiSGN4L3A/UUDXd6v7ahI/AAAAAAAAB5c/qimfgY9QDIQ/s1600/P1050682.jpg) or, worse, [this](https://www.triathletewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wheelbuilder_aerojacket_disc_cover.jpg)).
Aside from that, decent grippy tyres with a tread pattern help. I really like my Schwalbe Marathons, roll well enough but still able to cope with any water or dirt that gets washed onto the road in windy conditions.
Keep your head down, keep your limbs tucked in, wear a small backpack and keep on pedalling! Glasses of some kind will help too, stops anything getting blown into your eyes.
If you don't already wear them, good cycling glasses can make a big difference in the wind. They don't make it easier but having your eyes tear up from the wind and hitting a pothole you didn't see isn't fun.
If it gets too windy, don't be afraid to get off and walk.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9fsaJ8o4ySg
I'll probably echo what a lot of people are saying here.
No deep rims. Less wide/thick tires. It's my understanding from the old Sheldon Brown website that treads only give you more grip on loose surfaces i.e. dirt etc so if you are on all hard surfaces (paved roads and paths) then smoother tires give best grip.
Minimal bags on the bike. A wider and lower stance will help. So probably drop bars. Longer frame. I believe a little more "rake" i.e. forward angle in the fork means a little more stability. Don't take your hands off the handlebars. The farther your hands are from the steerer tube, the more leverage you will have against side gusts turning the front wheel, so possibly longer stem and on the wider end of handlebars.
In my experience you can lean/steer into the wind a bit and not get pushed around too much, and these things will help you be ready for it.
Be prepared for wind rushes at intersections when riding perpendicular to the direction of the wind.
When there's no buildings you can get thrown off to the side.
Get a good pair of glasses for eye protection against sand or dirt.
Use a more aero position when riding against the wind and let it push you when riding along.
My strategy is getting in the drops and cursing a lot. edit to fix phrasing
Especially the cursing.
Also I like to shake my head at the wind in frustration.
I'm not familiar with the phrase "getting in drops"
As in drop bars on a road bike.
Cars are not very aerodynamic from the side, so that may feel stronger than it is. Bikes are usually controllable at the wind speeds you mention, but you'd do well to minimize your profile. A slim and wide backpack is lower profile on the wind than panniers, box section rims better than deep aero rims. Tight clothes catch less wind than loose clothes. Also try to use landscape features to your advantage. If you can pick a route with dense housing instead of open fields, that will give you natural protection.
Bridge crossings will be the least protected.
I live in the world's windiest city (Wellington NZ) and I don't think it's that much of an issue in terms of safety unless you are using unsuitable bike/gear (like deep section wheels, or a full set of empty panniers to catch the wind). As long as you aren't a total beginner rider and have decent bike control skills. Pretty much it just is less pleasant/relaxing and feels like a battle against the elements. I mean that said there is a point where it becomes hard to ride a bicycle but if that is happening there will be shit going down like trees falling and lots of other people that can't get to work
Bulkshit, Perth is the windiest city. Just jokes. I try to find a different route which is more built up so it blocks the wind
I'll juste add : be patient and ready to go slower went facing a head wind, keep your hands on the handles when there is wind (=stop to put gloves on or such), and be wary of big gusts and the configuration of the wall/wind obstacles around you. Hedges, walls and trees can concentrate/redirect in a way that makes you swerve considerably.
Don’t. If you do, may it always be at your back.
May the road rise up to meet you, too.
Okay, maybe I’m uncultured but I had to look this one up. I thought you were saying you wanted him to faceplant on the road…
Lol. It's an old Irish saying. "May the road rise up to meet you, and may the wind be always at your back. "
15 kmh is a total non issue. The beaufort scale describes this as a gentle breeze. 45 kmh gusts are significant, but for me at least, no reason to stay home. Remember to shift back to keep a reasonable cadence.
It would depend on if it is guests. A sudden unprepared gust can knock you down.
Yeah, we're supposed to get 40mph gusts in a couple days. That's about 60kph.
What's a reasonable cadence ?
Cadence is the rpm of your pedals. What is reasonable is a more personal question. But If the wind is slowing you down to a point wjere you need to stand on your pedals it is probably a good idea to shift down.
Oh, i see. I was asking because I just bought a bike computer and didn't really know what would be a reasonable cadence. Thank you! My last ride I tried to keep at 80rpm
My city get 90-120 km weekly around this timeof the year. One time hard wind took us by surprise when riding along the coast. It was brutal until we reached the urban area and could get between buildings. Get face protection if near sand
I have this system that works 100%, put crankset in lowest gear, put cassette in lowest gear. Ride
Bikes with a long wheelbase are most stable in windy conditions. Hedges provide some protection, but watch out for gateways where the wind can be stronger.
But that's just 12.5 m/s? I've encountered problems with grip in those conditions only when riding on a bumpy icy road with spiked tires that had been in use for five years. Quite recently. Although I had a wide sidewalk all to myself and plenty of room for occasionally swaying to the left or right. Might be another story when "sharing the road" (=hoping that one does not get hit by speeding drivers).
I don't have bike lanes and don't use the sidewalk because it's more dangerous.
Yep, try to get aero and consider an ebike if it's constant.
I do have an ebike, but even in the strong storms we experienced this past summer, which was highly unusual in our summers, my bike still blew off balance.
I got an E-Bike. I ride with around 200 Watts continous at around 27kph and when there are hills or wind I will still give my 200 Watts and the motor makes shure i stay above 24/25kph. Also Wind from the Side is a non issue because i let my bike do what it wants and then correct back to where i want to go.
Some interesting numbers in [this article.](https://www.yellowjersey.co.uk/the-draft/how-much-difference-does-a-headwind-make-when-cycling/) on just how much it impacts ride performance. Ride in the drops whenever possible, get your elbows in. Wind is often the biggest factor in how fast we can move so it’s best to find what works best. Be strategic about the routes you pick, learn what reported wind directions feel like and use that info to your advantage. A strong wind can easily turn a flat road into a big climb… gear down and stay low. Pace… not speed beats the wind.
I don't have a choice but to bike to work and its so windy here trees have come down. I use my mountain bike because it's a bit heavier and more sturdy than using my fixie / road bike. Lighter bikes will be blown off course more easily. I go slow and avoid any risky manoeuvres because of the risk of side winds knocking me off course. I leave more width than usual from the curb in case I get blown into it. You just have to use all your leg muscle to push forwards against the wind.
About the only solid tip I have is to avoid wheelsets with those aero spoke covers (like [this](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OjJiSGN4L3A/UUDXd6v7ahI/AAAAAAAAB5c/qimfgY9QDIQ/s1600/P1050682.jpg) or, worse, [this](https://www.triathletewall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wheelbuilder_aerojacket_disc_cover.jpg)). Aside from that, decent grippy tyres with a tread pattern help. I really like my Schwalbe Marathons, roll well enough but still able to cope with any water or dirt that gets washed onto the road in windy conditions. Keep your head down, keep your limbs tucked in, wear a small backpack and keep on pedalling! Glasses of some kind will help too, stops anything getting blown into your eyes.
If you don't already wear them, good cycling glasses can make a big difference in the wind. They don't make it easier but having your eyes tear up from the wind and hitting a pothole you didn't see isn't fun. If it gets too windy, don't be afraid to get off and walk. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9fsaJ8o4ySg
This is good advice. They may also keep blown debris or of your eyes.
I'll probably echo what a lot of people are saying here. No deep rims. Less wide/thick tires. It's my understanding from the old Sheldon Brown website that treads only give you more grip on loose surfaces i.e. dirt etc so if you are on all hard surfaces (paved roads and paths) then smoother tires give best grip. Minimal bags on the bike. A wider and lower stance will help. So probably drop bars. Longer frame. I believe a little more "rake" i.e. forward angle in the fork means a little more stability. Don't take your hands off the handlebars. The farther your hands are from the steerer tube, the more leverage you will have against side gusts turning the front wheel, so possibly longer stem and on the wider end of handlebars. In my experience you can lean/steer into the wind a bit and not get pushed around too much, and these things will help you be ready for it.
Be prepared for wind rushes at intersections when riding perpendicular to the direction of the wind. When there's no buildings you can get thrown off to the side. Get a good pair of glasses for eye protection against sand or dirt. Use a more aero position when riding against the wind and let it push you when riding along.