by Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking.com
For many unfamiliar with the bold north, biking or walking on water is a fun winter tradition when incorporating a few ice safety tips into the adventure. Mother Nature’s annual temperature swings in the upper Midwest will determine when it’s safe to venture onto a frozen body of water safely. From mid to late December through February, riding a bike across a body of frozen water is a regular occurrence. This year, ice is already forming, and the fun may begin sooner and extend the season of outdoor fun.
Along with the proper clothing for a comfortable ride in the winter, here are some ice safety tips you need to know to ensure a safe time pedaling across a lake or stream frozen over.
Ice safety tips – First and foremost, know the thickness of the ice.
There’s no way around it. While many visual cues can help you determine if it is safe to roll out or step onto the ice, the most reliable way is to measure the ice thickness.
There are a few tools you can use to measure the ice. An ice chisel can be stabbed into the ice until it penetrates all the way through. A cordless drill with a wood bit also works well to auger a hole to measure the thickness.
Ice safety tips – What is a safe thickness?
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources states on ice thickness, any ice thickness less than four inches should be avoided at all costs. At four inches, the ice can support bicycling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and walking. At five to seven inches, the ice can sustain the weight of a snowmobile or an ATV, while eight to twelve inches are needed to support a small car’s weight. And while these guidelines are generic, ice conditions vary, and the above is for newly formed ice. Make sure to read more on thickness before going out there.
Measuring in one place is not enough. Take measurements in several different areas (approximately 150 feet apart) to ensure that the entire area is safe. Ice thickness can vary, even over a relatively small area—especially over moving water.
Ice safety tips – Assess the area visually.
A visual assessment can help supplement your measurement and help if you rely on someone else’s measurements.
It’s a perfect time of the year to jump on a fatty and ride across the lake.
Watch for signs of danger like cracks, seams, pressure ridges, dark areas (where the ice is thinner), and slushy areas—even slight slush signals that the icing isn’t freezing at the bottom anymore means it’s getting progressively weaker.
Ice safety tips – The color of the ice
Check out the color of the ice. Clear, blue, or green ice thicker than four inches should be ok enough to bike on. White ice typically has air or snow trapped inside, weakening it. Dark ice might indicate that the ice is relatively thin—probably not thick enough for biking or hiking.
The Fresher, the better
New ice is typically stronger than older ice. The bond between ice crystals decays even in freezing temperatures as time passes. When the spring thaw begins, the ice weakens considerably. It can be tempting to head out for one last ride across the ice, but it is safest to say no. Even if ice fits the measurement criteria, it can still be hazardous.
No ice can ever be considered “safe ice.”
Along with knowledge of the thickness of the ice and a visual assessment, here are four more suggestions to help minimize the risk when biking on the ice:
- Carry ice picks and a rope
- Have a cell phone or personal locator beacon along
- Don’t go out alone; let someone know about trip plans and expected return time.
- Before heading out, inquire about conditions and known hazards with local experts.
Know the proper rescue techniques
Anyone doing anything on the ice outdoors should know the ice rescue technique. Even kids should be familiar with the protocol, so educate them ahead of time. If someone in your party falls through the ice, the first thing to do is call 911. Anyone still on the ice should slowly lie down, distributing their weight over a larger area.
Reach the person in the water using a long-reaching assist—a large stick, a rope, or a ladder if available. The water person should be instructed to kick and slowly ease their way out of the water. Once they reach the surface, they should crawl or roll away from the broken ice area.
Anyone on the ice, including the victim and rescuer, should avoid standing up until they are far away from the broken ice. As soon as possible, get the victim into dry clothing and treat them for hypothermia.
Now have some fun!
Enjoy the ice safety tips for a safer true north experience!
