Depending on one’s particular line of longitude (Or is it latitude?), winter cycling means either putting on a long-sleeve shirt instead of a Tee or swapping out slicks for a set of studded tires. In Toronto, for instance, the number of cyclists seen on the road once the snow flies drops like a rock by more than 70 per cent. But, there are still many who manage to make their daily commute down the icy avenues, or even a weekend ride if there if the temperatures and sun climb high enough the clear the pavement.

For that hardy brood and others looking to give it a try, here are a few tips when it comes to actual snow, ice and slush winter cycling.

Winter overhaul: Don’t even think of hitting the streets without making sure the old two-wheeler is ready to roll. Switch up the lube to a winter synthetic, make sure the chain is in good shape and not ready to freeze up on you. And for the love of Pete do a brake service. If you can, use an old bike during the winter as all the slush and road crud can do serious damage.

The road less travelled: Sure, we all want to take the most direct route possible, but those might not always be the safest in winter. Pay attention to snow levels, windrows etc. The busiest roads are cleared of snow first, but the quieter roads might just be the safest when things get icy. Of course, many progressive and wonderful cities now clear separated bike lanes of snow during the winter, and those are best.

The feet: Obviously, don’t bother with clip-in pedals, and only use flats, the larger the better. With big flat pedals, cyclists can consider big fat (read: warm) shoes or boots.

Tires: There are always plenty of options when it comes to winter tires. Treads and puncture resistance are the key factors to consider. The chunkier the treads and the more puncture resistance the safer the bike. There are full-on winter tires with metal studs for those who don’t want to mess around. And remember, with puncture resistance, nobody wants to swap out a flattened tube in the dead of winter, but keep spare tubes and a pump handy, as always.

Clothing: We all know layering clothes is the best option for doing anything sporty during the winter. The important thing to remember is that even when it is quite cold, once out riding, the sweat will come and any kind of moisture is bad news so having a base layer that wicks sweat away from the body is essential. And, having some protection against icy winds on the outside of the body is also key.

Head and helmet: Invest in a skull cap for under the helmet as well as a full balaclava for the coldest of days that covers the entire head and neck. Merino wool is always best when talking keeping warm in the damp and cold of winter.

Hands: Obviously, there is some degree of manual dexterity involved in operating a bicycle, especially in winter, so don’t opt for the largest most cumbersome winter mittens on the market. Find a good quality pair of winter gloves that offer both warmth and wind protection.

Locks: Just like car doors, bike locks can freeze up, expect the worst if commuting for an hour in the snow and carry a wee bottle of lock de-icer in your bag. Can you imagine how bad it would be to go all that way only to realize you can’t even lock up the bike? Ouch.

Fender it up: Biking in the city during winter invariably involves a hefty amount of slush. If you can keep the general dampness at bay, all the better. Do yourself a favour and fashion some serious fenders for the front and back wheels.

After Care: After the ride, do not even think of stuffing that bike in the shed without giving it a good wipe down with a rag from your handy-dandy sack of rags that you’ve left for just such an occasion. Otherwise, expect a rusty bucket in a matter of weeks.

The Darkness: Yes, it is dark in the winter. Leaving at 5pm means biking home in darkness alongside cars not used to looking out for cyclists in the winter. Consider a flashing red light on top of your helmet! Or, if not that, at least a strong LED lighting system front and back as well as reflective and bright clothing. Purchase a rechargeable lighting system that can be taken with you and not left on the bike.

Ice Ice Baby: Slippery surfaces come in all shapes and sizes, so just expect to slide. See something shiny on the road in the distance? That’s ice, so be prepared. Don’t swerve into the road, but if you can avoid it, then do so. Otherwise, keep as straight as possible and if you have to break, make it the rear. If you’re just scared, stop and walk around. It might appear hard-packed, but underneath that freshly fallen snow is just more ice.

Steering: Getting out of trouble takes additional seconds in the snow as bikes are generally less responsive. Snowbanks and windrows impinge on cycling lanes giving riders less room to operate and the margin of error between bicycles and cars is that much smaller. Watch turns, especially easy right turns that might be taken for granted in snow-free months as it is easy to hug the curb to avoid oncoming traffic.

Don’t fall for it: Make all the preparations possible, and follow all the rules. But, one day it just won’t happen. And, if you end up losing control and know you’re going to fall, do yourself a favour and try and fall into a snowbank.