Tips for Biking in Houston

It can be a real challenge to get out of the "shortest route possible" mindset, but on a bike, there is more to consider! Try to get your destinations with as much shade, nature, fun, and least car-traffic stress as possible! It may take some extra time, but that's more time bike riding!

We were going to write a tip about getting out of car-brain and the feeling that all travel time is wasted time, but then we came across this video that sums it up perfectly.

Houston is hot — but it is possible to ride without showing up as a sweaty mess! Believe it or not, Houston consistently sees its highest bike ridership during the summer. For about 9 months out of the year, Houston has better biking weather and longer daylight hours than many cities considered to be bike-friendly, like Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, and New York.

With the right mindset and a few strategic adjustments, biking through Houston’s summer heat is not just doable — it’s fun.

Adding some storage capacity can unlock all kinds of new trips that you'll be able to take by bike! Most of us who ride more than we drive have some kind of storage solution that stays with our bike, and options for expansion. You'd be surprised how many groceries you can get with a simple rack and pannier setup + a backpack.

Go with an e-cargo bike, and you might be able to out-do a minivan.

Riding at night can be a great way to experience our city. It's a great way to stay cool in the summer, and often comes with the bonus of lighter car traffic. Visibility is key for safety though, here are our tips to stay safe and seen when riding at night!

Some of us even feel safer at night because of increased contrast with high quality lights and reduced traffic.

Houston has a few months each year where colder temps and shorter days make biking take a little extra effort.

For many riders, 45°F and below can feel like a barrier — especially when paired with early sunsets. But with a few gear tweaks, you can keep rolling year-round without freezing.

It can be rainy in Houston. But like most things with biking, riding in the rain usually isn’t as bad as people expect. As the Dutch say, “You are not made of sugar.”

In fact, we often find that a quick stop under a bridge during a popup thunderstorm can be a peaceful, even welcome, pause. And unless it’s a serious downpour, you’ll probably dry off in 10–15 minutes anyway.

That said, if you want to stay dry and look sharp — whether you’re heading to work, or dinner — here are some proven strategies to help you bike comfortably in wet conditions.