We couldn't quite wrap our heads around the idea of riding a bicycle to work in the dead of winter. Bike vs. snowplow? The physics of that seemed all wrong.

And that kind of thinking is our biggest hurdle, said John Higgins, a year-round bike commuter who works at REI in East Millcreek and recently gave a seminar on cold-winter commuting.

Higgins, a transplant from sunny, warm Australia, learned the hard way. The first time he commuted to work in the winter, he tried to ride Parleys crossing, the bike/walking trail that crosses Interstate 80 at the mouth of that canyon. Naturally, it was covered by frozen snow. After calling work to say he would be 30 minutes late, he had to push his bike up the hill.

Still, he could say with a straight face: "Think of commuting on your bike as a fun winter sport."

Emily Erdley of Salt Lake City was in Higgins' audience. She wants to bike more to do errands, since she can walk to work. But darkness is a potent psychological barrier.

"I'm not as worried about the cold," she said.

One by one, Higgins struck down potential issues for people who want to extend the bike season, whether because they like the exercise, want to pollute less by leaving the car at home, or need to save on gas money.

Here's his advice on every objection we raised.

Fear of commitment » Simply making the decision to ride in the colder months is Job One. "Until you've got that 'Yes, I'm going to' mind-set, the rest is irrelevant," Higgins said. Once you commit, the other problems can be solved. And don't think you have to go all hardcore. Higgins still uses a car in nasty weather, or gets a ride, or uses the bus or TRAX. Maybe initially, you'll decide to ride when streets are dry and the temperature is above freezing. A small step is still a step.

Cold » Layering is the key to temperature regulation and wind protection. Many people will already own much of the gear they need - a base layer of wool or synthetic; an insulating layer of fleece; and a lightweight top layer that blocks wind and moisture while allowing heat to escape. Higgins likes zippers on all of the above to allow quicker heat release. You'll have to experiment with different weights to discover what works best for you. Wear a wicking skull cap under your helmet, sunglasses with clear lenses or ski goggles, and five- or split-fingered gloves that allow you to work gears and brakes. Toe covers and shoe covers are helpful if you wear biking shoes; if you don't, any footwear that keeps you warm and dry will do.

Winterizing the bike » If you plan to ride when it's sloppy, fenders are a good idea. Higgins showed clip-on fenders that work on any mountain bike. A more beefy tire might help, too. And you should wipe down the bike every time you ride in the wet, doing a more thorough cleaning every month. Lights are critical - anything you can do to help other people see you is good. I just added a second light on my handlebar, a headlamp on my helmet, and blinking lights on my saddlebags to complement the blinkie on the back. "The more lights the better," Higgins advised.

Choosing a route » In the winter, snow and snowplowing can make some roads impassable. Ice is another issue on spots that don't get sun. So, you'll have to experiment and pay attention to which streets are cleared first. Unfortunately, that's usually the busier ones. Safety is paramount, so there's no shame in ditching the bike when it gets too hairy.

Riding skills » First, slow down. If streets are slippery, brake sooner and more gently. Go easy on the front brake while riding downhill. Snow is similar to sand, which means keeping weight off the front of the bike. Honestly, I'm not sure I'm going to ride in snow, but I've managed sand, so who knows?

One thing Higgins didn't cover is how to look presentable after getting to work. Saddlebags let your bike to the work and keep carefully folded clothing dry. A shower at work is nice, but tidying up at a sink can work, too. I keep a hair dryer and brush in my desk to banish "helmet hair."

Will I bike all winter? I doubt it, but I've already gone longer this year than ever. So any progress is good, right?

awilson@sltrib.com