Winter Walking

[madamesilverspurs]

Just a note from someone who learned the hard way... Using the over-the-shoe cleats is a really good idea; the pic is from campground.com, but you can google 'ice cleats' to find a host of retailers who carry them or something similar. I keep mine rolled up in a plastic bag in my coat pocket.



I also have some driveway salt that I keep on the front seat of the car in a quart-sized lidded mug; if the parking space I've pulled into looks a bit chancey I'll sprinkle some of that before I step out of the car. And my neighbors are used to seeing me carrying a similar mug and sprinkling the contents ahead of me on the sidewalk; one of the crusty old guys decided he likes that idea, he uses a big old Budweiser mug. That clay-based kitty litter works well, too.

Walk safely!


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[WhiteTara]

1. thanks for this

I was wondering about winter walking.

[CrispyQ]

2. I've wondered if these are effective.

Our local 'code patrol' is diligent about ticketing residents who have weeds or grass that are too tall, but they are non-existent when there is snow & ice on sidewalks.

Thanks for posting. :hi:

[eleny]

3. Our King Soopers parking lot is often icy in mid winter

These are a great idea as well as carrying salt or grit. Thanks!

[Mira]

4. AMAZING - I'll get a set of those

before I come visit you.

[AwakeAtLast]

5. Yak Tracks

I need to replace mine - thanks for the reminder!

:hi:

Edit to add link: http://www.the-perfect-present.com/Pages_Yaktrax/yaktrax_misspellings.html

[Strelnikov_]

6. Be sure to flip/reverse them occasionally, bottom to top

I wore out a pair in 2-1/2 weeks a few winters ago. Wore through the metal coil. Instructions say to avoid bare pavement, which is impractical to say the least. Realized afterwords that by flipping them I could double the life.

Went to stabilicers since the cleats are replaceable. Work OK but give the effect of being 'high centered' with resultant ankle turns, better use with boots.

In general, I prefer the Yak-Tracs, except they do wear out. And for just being a bunch of coils, they provide surprising traction on both snow and ice.

Last few winters I have been running Nokian studded tires on my winter bicycle, an Electra Townie, so I have not been going through as many cleats/Yak-Tracs.