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Cycling in a Thunderstorm?

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  • June 21, 2017 at 1:07 pm #27254
    BobbyG

    Wanted to get out for a spin after work this evening, but the forecast is for thunderstorms between 7-9pm.

    Is it safe to cycle with lightening about?

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  • June 22, 2017 at 7:53 am #895539
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    Al__S

    I love riding in a downpour

    I love riding in a downpour on a hot day. Not sure I’d love it as much with electricity

    June 22, 2017 at 6:36 am #895537
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    pablo

    I got caught big time last
    I got caught big time last year when the rain started I just laughed the road disappeared in a matter of seconds and I thought sod it just enjoy the slow ride back. I wasn’t laughing when a bolt landed in the field next to me I think some wee escaped.

    June 21, 2017 at 9:20 pm #895535
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    BobbyG

    I went anyway, there wasn’t

    I went anyway, there wasn’t any đŸ™‚

    June 21, 2017 at 2:12 pm #895533
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    sergius

    This reminded me of a quote

    This reminded me of a quote by the late (great) Terry Pratchet, “it’s about as sensible as standing on a hill in a thunderstorm shouting ‘All gods are bastards!'”.

     

    I’ve nothing sensible to add to the OP, other than I’ve been caught out in a thunderstorm on a sportive once, I was far more worried about the lack of visibility (sunglasses + biblical rain don’t mix) and standing water on the road than lightning.

    June 21, 2017 at 2:00 pm #895531
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    Canyon48

    Yes and no.

    Yes and no.

    Both metal and carbon fibre bicycles are conductive and both will accumulate a (very slight) positive charge, just like a car/plane does during travel.

    Lightning travels from the bottom clouds (negatively charged) to the earth’s surface (positively charged), so you could potentially be at risk.

    If you live somewhere totally flat with no high objects/trees etc (parts of Nebraska), I’d probably suggest it’s best not to cycle! If, however, you don’t live in such and area then I doubt you are at any more risk of being struck just because you are on a bicycle as opposed to walking etc.

    Despite this, really, regardless of wether cycling or walking, it’s best to stay inside.

    If you REALLY want to go for a cycle you would be best cycling with someone taller than you, wearing a big metal spike on their helmet.

     

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