Cold Weather Commuting 101: Tips for Staying Warm, Visible, and Safe

Cold mornings, darker evenings, and wet weather are officially here, but that doesn’t mean your commutes have to be uncomfortable. With these tips, riding transit, biking, walking, carpooling, or vanpooling can stay safe, warm, and stress-free all season long.  

Whether you’re heading to work in Downtown Bellevue, catching the bus to school, or walking to dinner with friends, here’s your guide to winter-ready, sustainable commuting.  

Layer Up for Transit Rides!  

When the temperature drops, layering makes all the difference, especially when waiting at bus stops or walking between transfers. The key is simple layering, using items you may already own:

Start with a base insulative layer, such as wool, that can trap warm air near your body

Next, a mid-layer for warming, such as a fleece, that can build layers of warm air

Finally, an outer layer that is rainproof and windproof, to protect you from the elements

Accessories like a hat, gloves, scarf, or a neck gaiter make a big difference in keeping heat in and the cold out. You don’t need new specialized gear, just warm, weather-resistant clothing that helps you enjoy your colder commutes! 

Stay Dry with Waterproof Gear

Bellevue winters mean rain, and lots of it. Staying dry keeps you warm, comfortable, and safe. This includes rain jackets, umbrellas, waterproof backpacks, water-resistant shoes, waterproof gloves and socks, and thermal layers!

Be Seen in the Dark

With sunsets arriving earlier and sunrise later, visibility is one of the most important parts of safe commuting.

Improve your visibility by using:

• Front + rear bike lights
• Reflective vest or backpacks
• Light-colored outerwear

You could also consider sticking to streets with plenty of streetlights to ensure you are visible to drivers!  

Join the Bellevue After Dark Commute Challenge 

Your trips around Bellevue can earn you rewards! Bellevue After Dark, a month-long commuter challenge from Nov. 15-Dec. 15, 2025, encourages you to explore Bellevue’s vibrant after-dark activities using sustainable transportation. 

How It Works:  

1. Sign up for the challenge at bit.ly/Bellevueafterdark  
2. Log your non-drive-alone trips each day for a chance to earn rewards. Log at least 14 trips from Nov 15-Dec 15 and you will have a chance to receive a 10 pack of tickets to the Downtown Bellevue Ice Rink ($220 value) or log at least 10 trips and have a chance to receive a pack of 5 tickets to the Garden d’ Lights ($50 value)!  bit.ly/cywbtriplog 
3. You must first sign up for the challenge at bit.ly/Bellevueafterdark and log your trips bit.ly/cywbtriplog for a chance to win. Winners will be announced on December 19 on our social media channels. Instagram: @ChooseUrWayBell or Facebook: @ChooseYourWayBellevue