[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/anita_toth.jpg” caption=”Anita Toth with daughter Eva and her winter bike, nicknamed Pinky. “]Unlike most people, Anita Toth gets an adrenaline rush every time she leaves for work.

It's her commute, however, that gets her so excited. An avid cyclist, Toth has made the bicycle her commuting vehicle of choice for the last fifteen years, a habit she says she got into because it's good exercise and cheaper than driving a car. What's unique about Toth, however, is that she doesn't give up her bike come winter.

“I cycle to work all year round, in all sorts of weather,” said Toth, who is currently on maternity leave from her position with the McMaster Institute of Environment & Health. “It can be difficult, but with a little common sense it's a great way to say active.”

To facilitate cycling, McMaster has recently expanded the number of bike lockers on campus and installed brand new secure bicycle storage facilities which are currently renting for half price. Toth hopes initiatives like these will encourage more people to bike to work and, for those fair-weather-only cyclists, to do so year-round.

“Even if you ride a clunker, you want to know it's safe while you go about your day,” said Toth. “And keeping your bike in a locker also keeps it dry and protects it from the elements.”

Toth says she'd love to see more people biking year-round, and offers a number of tips for doing so.

“Layer your clothing to stay warm in the cold weather, invest in fenders and don't try to fit your tuque underneath your helmet.” Instead, Toth recommends wearing a thin cap to keep your head warm while allowing your helmet to fit properly.

Toth's experience has also taught her that it's very important to be visible to motorists while riding – so important, in fact, that she spray painted her winter bike hot pink. It's also important to remember that cyclists must obey the rules of the road, which include signaling turns and stopping at stop signs and traffic signals.

If you're interested in cycling to campus or need more information on renting a bike locker or space in a new secure bike storage facility, contact the Office of Sustainability at sustainability.mcmaster.ca.