Small patches of ice

[matmcd78]

I ride year around and have noticed something is the past week that I don't remember encountering in the previous years. Coming home from work ( I work 1900-0700), I have passed several small sections of ice (less than 1ft across) at intersections. I think it is run-off from people who still have sprinklers on timers. Any advice on how to appropriately transverse these small patches? I get a little nervous slowing down in traffic to cross them and taking them at speed usually results in some tail slide (also resulting in anxiety).

[He Man]

slow down and dont panic. from my experience, the ice is never thick enough to really cause anything but a little instability. it will often crack when ur whele rolls over it. just pretend like nothing happened and once ur tire is over pavement again it will hook up, just dont go too fast over it.

or if it is really thick, then just take it easy coming up on it (dont ever brake) or just take a different route if its that unsettling.

[CDawg]

Try to keep your course and speed steady and the bike upright if you encounter ice...and pack fresh underwear.

[bikepilot]

The main thing is to go over them in such a way that you require virtually no grip--be very neutral on throttle and brakes (mostly coasting or just a wee bit of power), not leaned or turning at all, just super loose and fluid.  I wouldn't slow down if cages are about as I wouldn't trust them not to run me over, especially if its slick.

If you must cross an icy spot while turning realize the tires will slip then suddenly grip when they slide off the icy bit.  Not an issue if you are prepared for it and comfortable sliding around.  If you aren't, don't try to turn across icy bits.

[Slim1899]

Ice and Fog....can't wait for this weather to change.  I work 1600 - 0200....haven't ridden to work for a week due to one or the other.