[What follows is one of the many merry articles in the Mercury's Winter Guide 2025. Find a print copy here, subscribe to get a copy mailed to you here, and if you're feeling generous this holiday season, support us here.—eds.]

Riding your bike in the rain can suck. Still, it’s very possible to maintain your bike commute during the rainy months, and there are a lot of good reasons to do it. The benefits of biking for transportation—avoiding parking hassles and fees, bypassing traffic, saving gas money, helping the environment, moving your body, etc.—remain the same no matter what time of year it is. Plus, fresh air is good for the winter blues.

But you’ve got to come prepared. Here are my tips for what you need to convert from fair weather cyclist to year-round commuter.

Non-negotiables:

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