If you’re like us, you’re already well aware of the thrill that cycling provides. The feeling of zipping along on two wheels is practically unparalleled!
But in order to enjoy your rides to the fullest—and make sure you keep on enjoying them—it’s important to keep yourself and your property safe.
Keep reading for our bike safety tips, as well as the bike safety gear we recommend keeping on yourself, on your bike, and at home to optimize your safety and performance.
Bike Safety Items to Keep on You While Cycling
Here’s what we suggest keeping on your person to ensure you stay as safe as possible while riding.
Bike Helmet
This one’s a no-brainer: recent studies have shown that properly wearing a helmet reduces serious head injuries by 60%, reduces traumatic brain injuries by 53%, and reduces the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured every year by 34%.
With amazing new designs and technologies, bike helmets are safer than ever, with the ability to absorb potential impacts that might otherwise be inflicted on your brain or body. Innovations like the multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS) and Specialized’s ANGi sensor, which automatically calls for help in the case of an accident, offer greater protection (and peace of mind) than ever before. Some helmets even feature taillights for added safety!
Find out more about helmet types and buying advice in our Bike Helmet Buying Guide.
Cycling Apparel
Cycling-specific apparel doesn’t only keep you comfortable with synthetic fibers that move with your body and wick sweat away. It also keeps you safe by blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays and alerts others to your presence through bright, colorful, eye-catching designs. Some cycling apparel also features reflective patches to make you even easier to see, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
Aside from aiding in visibility, cycling apparel also features padding in key areas to protect you in case of falls or accidents.
One important aspect of cycling apparel is layering. The weather is always unpredictable, and you don’t want to be caught out on your bike wearing only a thin cycling jersey and shorts if the temperatures plummet. Conversely, if you’re outfitted with a cycling jacket and pants, you’ll want the ability to shed some layers if you get overheated. That’s why it’s important to wear numerous layers, from base layers to mid layers to outerwear (depending on the general climate where you ride).
To read more about the benefits of cycling jerseys, shorts, bibs, jackets, tights, and more, check out our blog post on why you need cycling-specific clothing.
Cycling Gloves
Closely related to cycling apparel are cycling gloves. If you’ve never worn them before while cycling, you may be shocked to discover how much they add to your comfort by supporting your hands and wrists, reducing numbness, discomfort, and fatigue.
Cycling gloves also provide cushioning in the case of a fall—which is significant since cyclists typically brace themselves with their hands—as well as protection from debris and vegetation, particularly for mountain bikers. If you’re unfamiliar with the benefits of cycling gloves, stop into your local ERIK’S and try on a pair!
Phone and Wallet
It may be tempting to disconnect while you ride and leave the phone at home, but the benefits of having a phone on hand are significant: not only do cell phones offer GPS and detailed maps (whether you’re riding familiar territory or charting a new route), but they also give you the ability to call someone in the case of an emergency. (Just remember not to get distracted while riding!)
While phones also give you the option of paying for items digitally, we still recommend carrying your wallet as well. Hopefully you won’t need identification or an insurance card, but it’s best to be prepared.
Thankfully, there are lots of convenient ways to carry a phone, wallet, or other personal possessions. Many cycling jerseys offer zippered pockets that are easily accessible when you’re on the saddle. There’s also a wide array of bike bags, from panniers to smaller frame-mounted options, that are ideal for carrying items like phones and wallets. Check out our blog post on bike cargo carrying options for more ideas on how to easily carry gear while cycling.
Safety Items to Keep on Your Bike
Now that we’ve covered which items to keep on yourself while cycling to stay safe and protected, let’s discuss the items we suggest you keep on your bike at all times.
Bike Lights
No matter what type of riding you do, the time of year, or the time of day, your bike should always be outfitted with lights for added visibility. Bike lights don’t only help you see—they also help you be seen by drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists.
Even when the sun is shining, daytime running lights (often placed on the rear of the bike, on the seatpost) have specific flashing patterns that make you more visible to others. At night, we recommend a powerful headlight to see the path in front of you and a taillight to make you easier to see. Depending on the type of riding you do, you may want to incorporate additional lights—for example, if you enjoy mountain biking at night in low-light, out-of-the-way areas, an especially powerful headlight in addition to a helmet-mounted light may be ideal. Find out more about bike lights and visibility tips here!
Bike Lock
Bike safety isn’t only about keeping yourself safe—it’s about keeping your bicycle safe and secured, too! The best way to do that, of course, is with a bike lock. If you leave your bike unattended for any amount of time in a public place, a lock should be used. It only takes a few minutes for a skilled thief to snatch your trusty ride.
There are a variety of bike locks available, which vary in terms of security level, carrying options, and size/shape, which allow you to fit numerous frame options and locking locations. We generally recommend U-locks, folding locks, or chain locks for maximum security.
For more information on different types of bike locks and locking tips, check out our blog post on how to lock your bike securely.
Flat Repair Kit
Let’s face it: flats are inevitable while riding, and it’s never fun to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire. Make sure you’re prepared with some kind of flat kit that can get you home (or at least to a bike shop).
The specific items in your flat kit may vary, depending on your needs. A CO2 cartridge and inflator tool are helpful for all riders, as is a multi-tool, which can help with a wide variety of bike repairs (not just flat-related ones). Some cyclists carry a spare tube and portable pump to replace the inner tube, while others carry a patch kit for quick repairs (of course, some cyclists carry both). Mountain bikers will likely want a patch kit in case of a sidewall tear and extra sealant if their bike is set up with tubeless tires.
Check out our video with quick tips on how to change a flat tire, and if you need more help determining what should go in your flat repair kit, reach out to our Brain Trust team or stop into an ERIK’S store!
Mirror
Stylish and convenient, mirrors typically attach to the handlebars and enhance your peripheral vision, allowing you to see if any pedestrians or other cyclists are in the vicinity. There are also mirrors that attach to helmets and glasses so they move with your head wherever you look. Available in both right- and left-hand options, mirrors are especially helpful for trail riding, which can be congested at times.
Food and Water
Cycling is, of course, a great form of exercise, so it’s easy to get fatigued during a long day of riding. Make sure you have some sustenance on hand by carrying water and any snacks you might need for a quick pick-me-up.
Water bottles for cycling are easy to grip and open so you can grab a drink whenever necessary without getting off your saddle. Water bottle cages come in left-handed, right-handed, or front-loading options so you can easily grab your water bottle from the cage however is most convenient for you.
Hydration is most important, but you should also carry some food in case exhaustion starts to set in. Feed bags are ideal for this purpose: they attach to the handlebars and are designed so it’s easy to grab snacks or a water bottle from your riding position.
Want to find out more about hydration products, feed bags, and other food and water options? Check out our Hydration Guide!
Bike Tagger/AirTag Holder
An AirTag is a tracking device that emits a Bluetooth signal to your connected devices so you can easily locate lost (or stolen) items. This can be especially helpful when placed on your bike, making it easier to track down your ride if theft occurs.
There are even AirTag holders (or “bike taggers”) specially designed for this purpose. Check out these Lezyne bike taggers for a quick and easy way to track your ride!
Safety Items to Keep at Home
Believe it or not, there are things you can also keep at home to prioritize bike safety. While these items might not be top of mind while you’re riding, you can enhance your bike safety and security with these at-home products.
Wall/Floor Anchor
The most important thing you’ll need to do with your bike at home is lock it up securely. If you keep your bike in a garage, shed, or common area, make sure it’s locked to an anchor securely attached to the wall or floor. The Kryptonite Evolution ground anchor, ABUS WBA 60 wall/floor anchor, or wall-mounted rack from Steadyrack all provide solid ways to lock up your bike so you won’t have to worry about crafty thieves finding a way to access a supposedly secure bike storage area.
Your Bike's Serial Number and Receipt
In case your bike does get stolen, you have a much better chance of getting it back (or at least reporting the theft) if you have the bike’s serial number and receipt on hand. When you buy your bike, you may also want to register it with a bike registration service (like Project 529), which can also help recover stolen bikes. Maybe you keep this info on your phone or jotted down at home somewhere, but however you do so, keep these details on hand—increasing your chances of reuniting with a stolen bike can greatly improve your peace of mind!
Bike Safety First at ERIK'S
At ERIK’S, we strongly believe that keeping yourself and your bike safe makes the cycling experience even more fun and exhilarating. Follow the tips above and keep safety items on yourself, on your bike, and at home to maximize your bike safety. Here’s a quick recap of recommended products:
Items to keep on yourself
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Phone and wallet
Items to keep on your bike
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Hydration products for carrying food and water
Items to keep at home
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Secure wall or floor anchor
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Your bike’s serial number and receipt
Most of these products are available at ERIK’S—contact our Brain Trust customer service team or visit your local store for more information about these helpful and convenient safety products!
Once you prepare yourself with the items above, you can ride with peace of mind and enjoy cycling to the fullest.