CoachingAnswer

HOW DO I RIDE SAFELY IN CROSSWINDS?

By Anthony WalshRoadman CyclingUpdated 10 July 2026

ANSWER

Crosswinds above 50 km/h (30 mph) are dangerous for most cyclists and above 65 km/h (40 mph) should be avoided entirely. The primary risks are being blown into traffic, losing control on exposed sections, and being struck by wind-borne debris. Safe crosswind riding requires lowering your centre of gravity (ride on the drops or hoods, not the tops), leaning slightly into the wind, maintaining a firm but not rigid grip on the bars, and anticipating gusts at gaps in hedgerows, buildings, and bridges. Deep-section wheels significantly increase crosswind instability and should be swapped for shallow rims (30 mm or less) when sustained crosswinds exceed 40 km/h.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Crosswinds above 50 km/h are dangerous; above 65 km/h most riders should not be on the road regardless of experience.
Ride on the drops or hoods to lower your centre of gravity — never ride on the tops in strong crosswinds as it raises your profile and reduces control.
Deep-section wheels (50 mm+) act as sails in crosswinds — swap to shallow rims when sustained winds exceed 40 km/h.
Anticipate gust zones: gaps in hedges, bridge crossings, building gaps, and hilltop crests create sudden lateral forces.

WHO THIS IS FOR

IS THIS YOU?

Cyclists who ride in exposed areas prone to strong winds

You ride coastal roads, open farmland, or exposed hilltop routes where crosswinds are a regular feature and you want to improve your handling confidence.

Riders planning routes in windy conditions and wanting safety guidance

The wind forecast is strong and you want to decide whether to ride, adjust your route, or stay indoors — and you need a framework for making that decision.

THE ROADMAN VIEW

Wind is the most underrated hazard in cycling. Rain makes you uncomfortable but rarely dangerous. Wind can put you in hospital. The mechanism is simple: a strong gust hits you from the side, your front wheel deflects, and if you are not prepared for it, you are in the path of a car or over the handlebars before you can react. The riders who handle wind well are the ones who ride with anticipation — reading the landscape for where gusts will hit.

Anthony's practical rule is straightforward: check the wind forecast before every ride and adjust accordingly. Sustained winds above 40 km/h mean avoiding exposed sections and swapping to shallow wheels. Above 50 km/h, stick to sheltered routes or ride the turbo. Above 65 km/h, there is no safe way to ride on open roads regardless of your skill level. The ego-driven riders who insist on going out in dangerous winds are not tough — they are reckless. The turbo exists for days when the outdoors is trying to kill you.

EXPERT EVIDENCE

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

Dr Richard LukesAerodynamicist, TotalSim CFD
The aerodynamic moment acting on a cyclist in a crosswind is proportional to the square of the wind speed and the frontal area exposed. Deep-section wheels dramatically increase the yaw moment because the rim acts as a sail — a 60 mm deep wheel can experience 3-4 times the lateral force of a 25 mm wheel in the same crosswind. At wind speeds above 40 km/h, the sudden lateral forces on deep wheels can exceed the rider's ability to correct, particularly during gusts. Shallow wheels are a safety decision in these conditions, not a performance compromise.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

DO THIS WEEK

Check the wind forecast and set personal thresholds before riding
Use a weather service that reports sustained wind speed and gust speed separately. Sustained winds of 30-40 km/h: ride with caution, avoid exposed sections. 40-50 km/h: ride only on sheltered routes, use shallow wheels. 50-65 km/h: consider the turbo trainer or a very short sheltered route. Above 65 km/h: do not ride outdoors. These thresholds should be adjusted downward for lighter riders (under 65 kg) who are more susceptible to lateral displacement.
Learn to read the landscape for gust zones
Crosswinds accelerate through gaps: between buildings, at gaps in hedgerows, over bridges, and at hilltop crests. When riding in wind, scan ahead for these features and prepare by tightening your grip, lowering your body, and reducing speed slightly before reaching the gap. The gust at a hedgerow gap can be 30-50% stronger than the ambient wind.
Practise crosswind riding technique on a quiet road
On a moderately windy day, find a quiet exposed road and practise riding in the drops with a slight lean into the wind. Maintain a firm but relaxed grip — a death grip transmits every gust directly into your steering. Let the bike move slightly beneath you while keeping your body weight centred. This technique becomes instinctive with practice but must be developed before you encounter properly dangerous conditions.

COMMON MISTAKES

WHAT CYCLISTS GET WRONG

MISTAKERiding with deep-section wheels in strong crosswinds.
FIXDeep wheels (50 mm and above) are aerodynamically efficient in still air but become dangerous in crosswinds because they generate significant lateral force when hit by a gust. Swap to wheels with 30 mm or shallower rims when sustained crosswinds exceed 40 km/h. The time saved by deeper wheels is irrelevant if a gust puts you into traffic.
MISTAKEGripping the handlebars too tightly in gusty conditions.
FIXA rigid death grip transmits every gust directly into your steering and causes arm fatigue that reduces reaction time. Hold the bars firmly but with relaxed elbows and shoulders — this allows the bike to move slightly in gusts while you maintain overall control. Think of holding a bird: firmly enough that it cannot escape, gently enough that you do not crush it.
MISTAKERiding on the tops of the handlebars for comfort in windy conditions.
FIXThe tops raise your centre of gravity and present the largest frontal area to crosswinds. Ride on the hoods or drops to lower your profile and improve your leverage over the handlebars. In strong gusts, move to the drops — the lowest, most stable position available.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How strong is too strong for cycling?

For most recreational cyclists, sustained winds above 50 km/h (30 mph) with gusts to 65 km/h (40 mph) are the practical limit. Lighter riders (under 65 kg), riders on deep wheels, and less experienced handlers should set their limit 10-15 km/h lower. Professional cyclists train and race in stronger winds, but they ride in groups that provide shelter and on roads closed to traffic.

Is a headwind or crosswind more dangerous?

Crosswinds are far more dangerous than headwinds. A headwind slows you down but does not destabilise you — you can ride into any headwind safely, just slowly. A crosswind applies a lateral force that can push you off your line and into traffic or off the road. Always take crosswind warnings more seriously than headwind forecasts.

Should I ride in echelons during crosswind group rides?

Echelons (diagonal formations across the road) are effective for managing crosswinds in racing but require practice, trust, and road space. On open roads with traffic, echelons are dangerous because they occupy the full lane width and leave riders exposed to passing vehicles. Only ride in echelon formation on closed roads or quiet lanes where the group can safely spread across the road.