10 Safety Gear Tips For Every Cyclist

Getting on a bike with your kids or even on your own is a great way to explore your local environment and stay fit. Like most outdoor activities, cycling can be risky, especially if you don’t wear the right bike safety gear. 

The level of bike safety gear you need to responsibly roam the roads (or forest paths!) depends hugely on whether you are a kid or an adult, as well as how much experience you have with riding bikes. 

But being cautious is always a good idea, especially when there are little ones involved. 

If you’re keen to get on your bike, whether solo or as a family, we’ve compiled a list of ten must-have bits of bike safety gear so that everyone can cycle safely!

1. Helmet

First things first—protect your head. In the event of a stumble or fall, protecting your skull should be a top priority. The skull has a pretty thick bone structure, but it’s not worth risking damaging it, especially when cycling on the road where there are cars around. 

However, even if you plan on sticking to countryside paths or your neighborhood park, wearing a helmet is still a good idea. A protective layer of foam and plastic can buffer any unexpected tumbles that you or your kid take. Just remember that if anyone takes a tumble and hits their head, the helmet needs to be replaced, as its integrity is compromised. Don’t risk reusing it!

2. Hydration and nutrition

I know, I know, we’re only at number two on the list and snacks have already come up as an essential! But isn’t that just how life is, especially during exercise? 

Nutritious snacks and hydrating beverages may not technically be “gear”, but they are essential for outdoor exertion and keeping energy levels up during trickier parts of your ride. Plus, they keep morale high and ensure that everyone enjoys a more fun, longer-lasting cycle. 

3. Knee pads

In a fall, the knees are often the first part of the body to hit the ground. Protecting them with the right gear is essential for avoiding scrapes and bruises. 

Knee pads are a great piece of cycling gear to invest in because they can be used for much more than cycling. Rollerblading, rock climbing, and even parkour are all activities that can benefit from extra knee padding and protection. 

4. Cycling shoes

While most athletic or trail hiking shoes should suffice for riding a bike, avid cyclists have much to gain from a good pair of proper cycling shoes. 

Cycling shoes will not only help you grip your pedals more effectively, but they often have reflective materials and a more aerodynamic shape for increased speed. Don’t sleep on the cycling shoes!

5. Tools and repair kits

Even if you don’t cycle too far from home, a mini tool and repair kit is extraordinarily useful when your bike needs a tune-up or some TLC. 

A busted tyre or loose chain are just two examples of how a bike can break down, but having a repair kit on hand during these inconvenient moments can be a game changer. Plus, you get to learn (and teach!) important repair skills that can help you in other areas of life, too. 

6. Cycling backpack

A small, compact, lightweight backpack is a great way to carry your belongings while riding a bike. It’s more secure than a front basket but not as heavy or cumbersome as a regular backpack, offering you the best of both worlds. 

Cycling backpacks often have many hidden pockets and zippers for carrying snacks, tools, a first aid kit, and anything else you might need while on your ride. 

7. Bicycle lights and reflective gear

Making sure that cars and other cyclists or pedestrians can see you while you’re cycling is very important. The more visible you are, the safer you are—and the easier it will be to avoid accidents. You can get bikes with built-in lights, but detachable ones work, too. 

If you enjoy evening or nighttime cycling, bike lights and reflective gear are absolutely non-negotiable. Invest in a quality cycling shirt with reflective material so that no car or person can miss you on the road.  

8. Secure bike lock

A secure bike lock and chain can keep your bike safe while you go inside a store or take a walk off the trail in the park or forest. 

No matter where you are or how safe your neighborhood is, a stolen bike is no fun, so taking the extra precaution to keep it safe and sound in your absence is well worth the effort. 

9. Cycling gloves

Cycling gloves will keep your grip strong and your hands soft if you cycle regularly. Gripping those rubbery handles without protection can cause nasty calluses to develop and even tears if you’re not careful. 

Plus, a good pair of cycling gloves will give you more control over your steering and ensure you have a tighter, more comfortable ride. They’re also a great way to keep little one’s hand’s warm and comfy when they’re riding in the cold (and yours, too!).

10. Sunglasses

Don’t let those precious eyes strain too hard in the bright sun or the distant horizon. Some good old polarized sports shades can make a world of difference, especially if you have sensitive eyes or live in an area with particularly bright sun. And they look cool!

Make Staying Safe in The Saddle A Priority

With a growing number of cyclists taking to the roads, safety has become a talking point across the US. In several states, safety initiatives have arisen due to the increase in bicycle accidents. These initiatives are fantastic, but when it comes to gear, you need to be prepared. 

It’s up to you to kit yourself and your kids out in a way that promotes your safety when on the road or out and about.

It might seem like a lot of gear to gather, but if you want to make cycling a big part of your and your family’s lives, investing in it is a decision you will not regret. 

These bits of biking equipment will mean you get to enjoy more safety and peace of mind during rides while experiencing a heightened level of healthy physical movement. Use this guide to bolster your cycling hobby and enjoy endless rides in safety and comfort.