If you’ve done it before, you know the feeling. If it’s your first time, don’t stress.

Snow in the city changes everything: ploughs come through, cars move slowly, salt trucks show up, and snow piles are all over the place. The city can look different every hour. But with the right approach, you can ride safely and without too much trouble.

Alright, time for the fun part: how to keep your wheels steady when the streets suddenly turn into a winter wonderland.

Take it slow

Snowy streets are not the time to go on extreme biking adventures. Slow down, as it will give you more space to react. Stay upright, and don’t stress about running late. People get it. Snow slows everyone down, except maybe skiers, but they’re not commuting. Duh.

Follow the tracks

Believe it or not, cars actually help you. They flatten snow into clearer tracks you can use. When it's safe, ride in those grooves instead of the fluffy edges.
Keep your eyes ahead though. If the pavement looks dry but shiny, that’s ice pretending to be harmless. Glide over it slowly and keep your body relaxed.

Grip matters more than you think

You don’t need special snow tires to ride in winter, but a little tweak helps. Letting a bit of air out makes your tires grip the road better. Softer tires mean more contact, and your ride will feel way more stable.
If you’re riding a Swapfiets bike, it's wory-free. All out bike models come with anti-slip tires, so a little snow won’t slow you down.

Balance is everything

Your body helps your bike stay balanced more than the tires do. Try this:

• Sit upright.

• Keep your shoulders loose.

• Put a bit more weight toward the back.

• Steer gently, not sharply.

• Let your hips guide you: this makes it easier to correct tiny slips without panicking or over-steering.

Pro tip: lower your saddle just a little. This gives you more control and lets you put your feet down quickly if you need to catch yourself. The combination of a relaxed body and a slightly lower seat works wonders on snowy days.

City snow hits different

Snow in the city has its own personality. One hour the road is soft and white, the next hour a plough has pushed half of it onto the sidewalk. You get salt patches, slush rivers, random lumps of frozen snow, and traffic that moves slower than a sandwich shop on Sunday morning.

• The key is to stay flexible. Your usual route might feel totally different today, and that’s okay.

• Experienced riders know this dance very well. New riders get used to it faster than they think.

• A winter-ready bike makes the ride easier

Snow biking becomes much more comfortable when your bike is in good shape. Lights, brakes, saddle height, and tire pressure all matter more than usual.
If you want help preparing your Swapfiets bike for snowy days, just book an appointment in the app. We’ll sort out any small adjustments or checks so your ride feels safe and steady.

And if you want more tips for biking in winter, check out our other blog posts for simple, practical advice.