Will Global Warming Harm Cycling Forever?

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🌍 Real Talk from the Road: I’ve ridden over 150,000 miles through deserts, mountains, and city streets. What I’ve seen with my own eyes—scorching pavement, choking smoke, washed-out trails—makes one thing clear: climate change is changing cycling. This post is personal and urgent.

An older cyclist walks his bike along a rural road at sunset, silhouetted against an orange sky—illustrating the impact of climate change on cycling.
Will Global Warming Harm Cycling Forever?

Cycling is one of the most eco-friendly, life-enhancing activities on the planet. But here’s the harsh truth: climate change could endanger the future of cycling as we know it.

While every bike ride helps cut carbon emissions, the warming climate is pushing back—with extreme heat, worsening air quality, and violent weather reshaping where and how we ride. As someone who’s been on the road for decades, I’ve seen the difference firsthand.

How Global Warming Puts Cyclists at Risk

🔥 Extreme Heat

Summer rides are turning into health hazards. Pavement temps can exceed 130°F by midday in some areas. Heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion are no longer rare—especially for older cyclists like me. I now ride at sunrise to stay safe.

🌫️ Worsening Air Pollution

Hotter temperatures trigger more ground-level ozone and smog. That smog doesn’t just look ugly—it damages lungs and increases respiratory risk, especially during hard efforts like climbs or long-distance rides.

🌡️ Heatwaves Are the New Normal

Heatwaves that used to be rare are now expected. In my home state of Texas, we often hit triple digits for weeks. Riding through a heatwave isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be deadly if you’re not cautious.

🌧️ Flash Floods, Wildfires, and Wind

Unpredictable weather is now part of the cycling experience. I’ve had routes shut down due to wildfires, rides interrupted by sudden storms, and bike paths washed away by flash floods. These extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and disruptive.

🌦️ Shifting Rain Patterns

Sudden downpours erode trails, flood streets, and make road riding treacherous. Increased rain also worsens infrastructure damage, meaning more potholes and fewer usable bike lanes.

But Cyclists Aren’t Powerless

Despite the challenges, cycling remains part of the solution. Here's how we push back and ride forward:

🚴 Advocate for Cycling as Climate Action

Every mile pedaled is a mile not driven. Cycling reduces emissions, traffic congestion, and urban pollution. Bicycles really can help change the world.

📢 Support Climate-Smart Policies

We need to demand bold action—from clean energy investment to protected bike lanes. Your voice matters at the ballot box and in your local community.

🌳 Ride Smarter, Not Hotter

Ride early or late. Choose shaded routes. Hydrate constantly. And consider gear that protects you in heat and sun—like smart body composition scales like RENPHO to monitor hydration and recovery on high-heat days.

🏗️ Push for Resilient Cycling Infrastructure

Cities must adapt. That means flood-resistant greenways, shaded routes, better air monitoring, and bike storage protected from storms and heat. Infrastructure matters.

The Road Ahead

Climate change is not some distant threat—it’s already affecting the way we ride. But that doesn’t mean we give up. It means we ride smarter, advocate louder, and keep showing the world that bikes still belong in the future.

The future of cycling depends on what we do today.

🚴 Affiliate Pick: I use the RENPHO Solar Smart Scale to track hydration, recovery, and overall health during intense weather training. It’s solar-powered, syncs with your phone, and has been a big part of my healthy lifestyle. (Affiliate link)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to cycle in extreme heat?
Yes, but with caution. Ride early, stay hydrated, wear cooling sleeves, and monitor your body closely.

Can cycling help fight climate change?
Absolutely. It reduces emissions, congestion, and pollution—especially when replacing car trips.

Should I avoid cycling during wildfire season?
If air quality is poor, yes. Use real-time air quality apps and avoid high-exertion rides during heavy smoke events.
Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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