03/11/2025

With daylight savings time starting last weekend in Victoria, BC, we’re seeing the sunsetting earlier, the grey days starting and the drizzly rain imminent. Most Victorians know that life on the island comes with a bit of rain during those fall and winter months, luckily Victoria’s weather tends towards light drizzle rather then down pours. This makes Victoria a great commuter city for those who take a few extra steps to keep riding safety and comfortably, rain or shine. Take a look at the below tips on riding in the cool fall and winter months in Victoria, BC. Whether you’re riding an electric bike or regular bike, you’re still out there!

Depending on how you ride and your style of riding, this will definitely help you choosing the right attire and layering is the key to success. There are many different brands and materials out there for each layer of clothing, find a brand that fits your style and budget – remember function over fashion – it’s about choosing the right gear for the job regardless of how it looks, because looking good doesn’t mean anything if you are cold, wet and miserable.

Layering is a great way to be able to adjust your temperature when the weather decides to change to keep you comfortable.

These materials will take the moisture (sweat) away from your skin and up through the fibers. The heat radiating from your body will allow the moisture to evaporate on the outside. Leaving you sweat-free and dry.

The aim of a mid-layer is to provide warmth without overheating. Being breathable and insulating. Again, looking at materials such as wool, fleece and polyester, nylon.

Down is another good insulating layer but often leans into the ‘too hot’ category. Plus if the down gets wet, it does clump the feathers inside the jacket which makes the jacket or vest ineffective (you’ll have to put it in a dryer with tennis balls to break up the clumps).

Windproof – Breathable -Waterproof – Visible

Thinking about how much it’ll rain, how you can store your jacket and what type of reflection material do you have on the jacket (or are you covering up with a backpack?) Difference between waterproof and water resistance? Is your commute short enough that you’d just need something light and water resistance?

Waterproof pants are another great option to keep dry and warm during a commute or leisurely cycle. Some are over-pants, generally thinner, and others take the role of pants completely (going over chamois or leggings).

Proviz Nightrider has REFLECT360 material on the shoulders and lower back for visibility, bright colours, breathable and waterproof for up to 10,000mm

Take note to avoid cotton as your first layer against your skin. Cotton is a material that stays cold when wet and holds moisture – think about when you do a load of laundry, your jeans end up heavy when you take them out of the machine and take extra long to dry. Now imagine you riding home with those heavy, wet and uncomfortable jeans on.

There are fantastic accessories out there too for staying warm and dry. A skull cap is thin enough to fit under your helmet but will keep the warmth coming from your head. Waterproof gloves like these RELFECT360 Proviz gloves are great as they glow and reflect light at night time. Proviz also have shoe covers to keep your feel dry which is a game changer so you don’t have to bring another pair of shoes to work!

Cycling in Victoria doesn’t need to stop just because it gets a little cold and drizzly. The misty mornings and chilly evenings add to the island charm. Dress for success by layering smartly, investing in a solid waterproof outer layer and staying as bright and visible as possible.

Chat to us in store to see what clothing accessories we can help you with! Check back in for our ‘Tips for riding in the cool – bike gear’ addition for some pointers to look after yourself and your bike.