Quote Originally Posted by fryingwoks View Post
Many cyclists commute through the winter as well (the temperatures might seem shocking for someone from Arizona, but -15C is perfectly comfortable riding weather in the same way it's perfectly comfortable skiing weather). Bike paths are usually cleared of snow within 36 hours, but we get relatively little snow in the winter (Alberta gets the least snow of all provinces/territories).

There tend to be about 2-3 weeks of winter weather that drop down to around -30C (although Edmonton isn't very windy, contrary to the previous description). There are plenty of people that still refuse to put their bike away in these conditions, but it is still fairly extreme conditions to be doing anything outside.
I have a sister and my dad in St. Albert (suburb of Edmonton) whom I visit frequently. In the winter. And the summer. I have yet to encounter anything less than -20 in the winter. Perhaps my timing is off? Bike paths might be cleared of snow but the roads....yeesh! Can you say "snow ruts?" Great weather in the summer for riding. Doesn't get hot and humid like southern Ontario, temps are quite nice for riding. And running.

[/QUOTE]But you're allowed to bike on any road in the city (including the major freeways, if you crave the thrill)[/QUOTE]

Yeah - my brother-in-law was shocked when he visited here (Toronto area) last summer that I don't ride on the freeways and that I ride on these little country roads instead.

If you've lived in Arizona for awhile, the winter weather will be a shock until you get used to it and dress for it. I'm not sure I could get used to the lack of daylight in the winter.....

But because it is so far north, your daylight hours in the summer are extended quite late - you easily can be golfing until 9-10pm at the height of summer. That = more riding time.