The first step towards riding in inclement weather is an attitude adjustment. Embrace the wind and the water. Overcome your fear of the dark. A majestic freedom accompanies persistence through adversity. The strength of will developed by pushing through the rain is the same force that pushes bicyclists over the endless hills on The Tour of the Unknown Coast.

The second step is a serious shopping trip to the bike store. Take the $8000 a year saved by not owning a car, add the $240 annual bicycle commuter tax break, and go buy some gear. Turbulent, unpredictable weather requires a wide range of outfits. Clear, cold mornings give way to a sweaty drizzle in the afternoon. Carry everything: a wind breaker, a rain jacket, an ear warmer, gloves, light synthetic pants, long johns, rain pants, neoprene shoe covers and a complete change of clothes for whatever you do off the bike. All of this must be stored in something waterproof. Some opt for dry-bag panniers, others pull trailers with Rubbermaid bins. If harsh rains threaten, I’ll take out my heavy bike with fenders and fat tires and wear an impenetrable rain jacket and rubber boots.

The greatest danger when riding on a dark wet morning is the same as when riding on a dry, summer afternoon: cars. Except with rain a driver’s stopping power, handling, and ability to see decrease. Go buy a light, and don’t scrimp. Get one with a big rechargeable battery and sufficient wattage to intimidate automobiles. Riding the streets after dark without good lights is suicidal.

Foul weather is hardly the greatest impediment to bicycling. Among the cities that exhibit high per capita bicycle use, Seattle and Portland have rain, Madison and Boulder have snow and extreme cold, whereas southern California, with its flat terrain and dry, mild climate, lacks large number of commuters. Rain may dampen spirits, but cars kill. When governments provide safe bicycling infrastructure the people will bike, whatever the weather. Join the devoted, the winter riders. Pedal into the storm, a bold display of lights and legs and bicycle.