How to cycle to work in the rain: Weatherproofing your bike commute

With a little planning and the right cycling gear, riding to work in the rain doesn't have to be the nightmare commute everyone thinks it

12:59, Tuesday 4th June 2024

Tom Hallam-Gravells

Online Production Editor

You can still commute by bike even when it's raining

There are many reasons why people avoid cycling to work but the weather is one of, if not the biggest, obstacles. If you’re from a part of the world that is often swept with torrential showers and unpredictable downpours, the prospect of cycling to work can seem bleak.

Don’t give up on the idea just yet, though. While you may prefer riding in glorious sunshine, commuting by bike during the wet season is still possible and will allow you to unlock all of a bike commute’s many benefits, from a mental and physical boost to a positive environmental impact.

More importantly, it can still be lots of fun too - we understand if some of you are throwing sceptical glances here - as long as you prepare accordingly for the conditions. Here are some top tips to help you keep the commuting momentum going in spite of any wet weather.

Best waterproof cycling clothing for commuters

You could be forgiven for thinking that rain always results in a miserable and soggy commute. That’s far from the case and the idea of riding through rain is usually much worse than actually doing it - we will concede that torrential downpours can push the meter towards the less enjoyable end of the scale, though.

But, on the whole, there is no such thing as bad weather for commuting, just bad clothing choices. As long as you are prepared for the conditions with the correct commuter clothing, you will still have lots of fun on your ride to work. Here are a few pointers.

Pay attention to waterproof ratings

It’s an obvious point, but all of your outer layers of clothing should be waterproof, including a jacket, trousers and, ideally, overshoes. You may want to invest in a helmet cover too.

Remember, just because clothing is labelled as ‘waterproof’, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will protect you from the elements, as there are different levels of waterproofness. This is measured in millimetres and the higher the number is, the more protection it will offer. Generally, waterproof cycling clothing will rank somewhere between 5,000 to 30,000, although some go even higher.

Invest in waterproof cycling clothing suitable for the season

Unfortunately, rain isn’t restricted to the winter months and can strike year-round. That’s why you’ll need a few waterproof options to account for the varying seasons.

During winter, opt for something thicker that will keep you warm and insulated. Those characteristics will make for a hot, sticky and uncomfortable ride during the summer, at which point it’s time to change to lightweight and breathable waterproof clothing.

A large jacket may not be necessary in winter

Think carefully about how you will layer up underneath the waterproof clothing too. Most cyclists fall into the trap of overdoing things but you’ll quickly work up a sweat, even if it’s raining. It’s best to avoid wearing your work clothes underneath the waterproof clothing whenever possible, as it may get wet and sweaty during the journey. Instead, carry these separately and change into them when you arrive at work.

Always carry spare clothing

No matter how hard you try, rain will occasionally penetrate your seemingly impenetrable clothing barrier.

That’s why you’ll need to carry spare clothes with you. A spare pair of socks is a must - no one likes soggy feet - but you may want to take spare trousers and a jacket too. To make your life easier, take them with you on the first day of the week and leave them at work so they’re there if you need them.

Use clear lenses for sunglasses

It may seem strange to wear sunglasses during a downpour but they’re a valuable accessory for cyclists whatever the weather.

Far from a one-trick pony that keeps the sun’s glare at bay, sunglasses also offer a barrier between your eyes and any insects or muck that kicks up off the road. When it’s raining, even more dirt gets kicked up, making sunglasses even more important.

The only problem is that most lenses are designed for bright, not gloomy conditions. That’s where clear lenses enter the equation. Many sunglasses arrive with these but you may need to invest in some separate lenses.

What facilities does your work have?

With your clothing choices decided, the next step to a successful cycling commute is transitioning from cycling to work attire, which is where your work’s facilities come into view.

What’s on offer can vary significantly from workplace to workplace but will have an impact on your commute.

Where to store your bike at work?

Always use a lock, even if you store your bike in a locked facility

First things first, when you arrive at work, you need to store your bike. A rainy day shouldn’t impact your usual routine here, but just be wary that rainy weather can provide a good foil for any would-be thieves. With less people outdoors and murkier weather, there is more cover for thieves to operate in.

So, even if your workplace has a secure storage facility, use a lock for an extra layer of security too.

Drying your clothes after a wet ride to work

Scope out your work’s facilities prior to commuting. There will likely be radiators or somewhere else to hang wet clothes, but they’ll be sought-after real estate.

An easy solution is to bring separate clothing for your ride home but if that isn’t possible, make sure you have a way to dry your clothes. It may mean having to get into work earlier if the drying facilities are usually busy - trust us, it’s better to get up a little earlier than to cycle home in soggy gear.

Shower at work

Even if it’s raining, you’re likely to work up a sweat. Dirt and grime may have seeped through your waterproof clothing too, so it’s best to have a quick shower at work, as long as your workplace has showering facilities. It’ll be a welcome reward for braving the conditions.

Just remember to pack your work clothes otherwise you’ll face a miserable day in wet clothing.

How to carry cycling accessories and spares on your commute

Lunch, spare clothes, maybe even a laptop: there are lots of things you may need to carry on your commute. More importantly, these things need to arrive at work dry when riding in the rain.

The obvious and easy solution is a waterproof backpack. Ideally, this should be a cycling-specific bag, as these have straps that attach around your chest to keep it securely in place.

You'll need a bag to carry any spares and accessories

For bulkier loads, take advantage of pannier racks. These are mounting systems that allow you to attach pannier bags to your bike. Some bikes have racks already attached, while others have mounts that they can be attached to.

Whichever option you punt for, put your items inside a carrier bag for an extra layer of protection.

Preparing your bike for safety and comfort

That’s the basic logistics out the way but there are some adaptations you can make to your bike which will make your commute safer and more comfortable too.

Always use mudguards for a ride to work in the rain

Mudguards are a must when riding to work in the rain. They’ll protect you from splash but, arguably just as importantly, anyone riding behind you. Even if you’re not bothered about getting dirty, be mindful of other commuters here as no one appreciates a covering of grime. Also, remember that more dirt gets washed up onto the roads when it rains.

Many bikes have mounting points for mudguards but it’s also possible to get clip-on mudguards too.

Always use bike lights: be safe, be seen

Lights will help motorists to spot you both during the day and at night

You should always use bike lights throughout the year, no matter the conditions. They can be lifesavers. Lights become especially important in gloomier weather, like when it’s raining, as it’s much more difficult for motorists to spot cyclists.

As a minimum, you should use a rear and front light - this is a legal requirement in some countries too - but aim for more. It’s possible to buy lights that mount to helmets, pedals or other limbs. The more lights you use, the better chance you have of being seen during your commute.

Lower tyre pressures

There are other ways to prime your bike for the conditions, including reducing the pressure in your tyres. This doesn’t have to be by much, and you shouldn’t deflate them below the manufacturer’s recommended tyre limits, but can lead to a welcome boost in grip by increasing the surface area of the tyre.

Plan an alternative route for a wet weather commute

Route planning is often overlooked, with many commuters simply accepting the most obvious and most direct option. Easy doesn’t necessarily mean the best route though, especially if it’s raining.

Try to pick a route that avoids busy roads and ideally stick to dedicated cycling infrastructure where you can concentrate on cycling without having to worry about what the cars around you are doing.

You may even need to alter your regular dry-weather route to account for the conditions too. The key is to pick paths or roads where you feel safe and comfortable. Try to be aware of what other road users around you are doing at all times and don’t rush things.

It’s okay to avoid a cycling commute in the rain

Finally, it’s okay to avoid riding in the rain.

Some people simply aren’t comfortable doing it while sometimes the weather will simply be too grim, at which point it can verge on dangerous. There’s no point in stubbornly pushing through if you’re not confident or the conditions aren’t safe. We know the commuting bug can be addictive, but sometimes you’ve got to give in and find another way to get to work. But don’t worry as there will always be a brighter day around the corner for you to dust off your bike ready for the next bout of commuting.

New to commuting by bike? Check out our in-depth beginners' guide on cycling to work for more commuting tips.

If you’re a cyclist in the UK you can now get specialist bike insurance from GCN. We offer a range of insurance cover for you as a rider, your bike or both and cover all types of cycling. You can find out more information in this article or to get a quote head to our dedicated GCN insurance page.

AGU

AGU is a Dutch company that manufactures cycling clothing and accessories, including bike bags, helmets, sunglasses and shoes. It has a long and illustrious history in the sport, dating back to 1966, and has worked with some of the biggest cycling teams in the world.

GCN x AGU Rain Cycling Jersey Long Sleeve

The predecessor of this jersey was developed for the Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders after a cold and wet Giro d'Italia 2019. Their vision was simple: they wanted a waterproof jersey with maximum breathability. This shirt is waterproof, protects against the wind, and is super breathable. Product Features: Made from eVent DVstretch, which has been specially developed to withstand wind and rain without compromising breathability. Waterproof: fabric treated with DWR coating Three back pockets. The YKK zipper opens and closes easily and has a zipper garage at the top, so you don't feel the zipper. The silicone gripper at the bottom keeps the shirt in place. Don't let the weather stop you - get comfortable on the road in the latest Rain Jersey. 3 year warranty available on this product, find out more information here. Alex wears size medium, Ollie wears size small.