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5 tips for biking in the snow in Paris

undefined undefined 7 janvier 2026 undefined 07h30

The Editor

© Jagoda Bartus

If you, like us, are passionate bike advocates in Paris, you know that riding has its risks, especially in winter when darkness falls as early as 3 PM and the weather might surprise us with a few reluctant snowflakes. Luckily, there are some tips to keep riding your trusty steed safely. And since we're nice, we’ve put together a little overview of the things you shouldn't overlook.

Yes, we know, riding a bike is fun. But being a cyclist on the streets of Paris can sometimes feel like a bit of a battle. Between pedestrians who cross on red, cars that clearly have no respect, and other bikes that act like they're royalty, you need to know how to stand your ground. And right now, with the cold, the day lasting about 2 minutes and 30 seconds, and the snow that has decided to surprise us nicely these past few days, it’s getting even more complicated. But if you follow this guide, you might just have a tiny chance of making it out alive.


Dress Warmly

Alright, let’s start with the most obvious one, but when it’s cold and snowing, whether in Paris or anywhere else, the best way to face the elements is to dress appropriately. So don’t hesitate to pull out those thermal clothes, paying special attention to your extremities with plenty of gloves,Make sure to grab your socks and that cute beanie/hood combo. And for those who feel the chill a bit more easily, the ski suit is definitely your best ally. Plus, if it’s a little vintage and in a flashy color, that’s a double win – you’ll stand out even more on the slopes (the bike-friendly ones, so keep up!).


Choosing Your Route Wisely

You won’t learn anything new when we say that, even in freezing temperatures, snow never sticks around for long in the capital. At least, not everywhere. This is especially true on the busiest roads, due to the constant flow of cars, buses, motorcycles, and bicycles. So when it comes to getting around, we’re smart, and we choose the most traveled routes, just to enjoy a cleaner and cleared road. And yes, we know, taking that little unknown alley might save you 5 minutes. But 5 minutes versus a lifetime ruined by a patch of black ice, is it really worth it?


Lower Your Saddle

This is probably the most surprising advice on this list, yet it really makes a big difference. When it's snowy, you don't need to be a genius to know that the biggest risk is slipping or skidding. So, to fix that, it's simple: just (partly) lower your center of gravity, which means putting a bit more weight on the back wheel. This allows for better grip on the road, and also lets you get your feet down quicker and more flat on the ground in case of trouble. Bonus: reduce the tire pressure a bit for even better traction!


We Adapt Our Driving

It may seem obvious, but it's sometimes good to state the obvious. So we think about slowing down, looking ahead to anticipate potential ice patches, and checking that our brakes are strong and working well before we head out. Similarly, whenever possible, we avoid sudden movements, for example by planning our turns in advance, so we can take them wide instead of jerking the handlebars all at once. In short, we double our vigilance to keep ourselves and others safe.


Think twice before hopping on your bicycle

We all know how fantastic biking is. It’s fast, great for the planet, it lets you enjoy the fresh air, and honestly, the benefits are endless—it’s just awesome. But like with all good things, it's essential not to overdo it. Sometimes, when it’s snowing, to ensure everything goes smoothly, it’s much wiser to leave your bike in the garage and opt for public transport or just walk. We get it, it’s frustrating, but it’s like coming home after a night out; it might not be the most reasonable choice. So let’s use a bit of common sense, shall we?