Riding a bike can be a lot of fun.
It gives you a means for traveling from place to place while also getting some exercise and experiencing the great outdoors at the very same time.
With that being said, it’s also true that you need to pack a few things and bring a few things with you to make the most of the experience.
Every bike ride is a little bit different, and different styles of bike riding will probably tend to require slightly different gear.
For example, a casual bike ride around the block is going to require a slightly different gear selection than riding an ultramarathon over the course of 100 miles.
However, with all of that being said, it’s also true that there are just a few things that every bike rider should have on them at all times.
And in this post, you’re going to learn about 6 items that you should never forget when you leave home to ride your bike.
Let’s dive into it.
1. A Helmet
A helmet is arguably the most important thing to bring with you when you ride a bike.
The reasons for this are pretty obvious.
Without a helmet, you’ll be susceptible to greater injury if you get into some kind of trouble or an accident.
So always wear a helmet whenever you ride a bike—point blank, period.
It could save you a ton of pain, suffering, and misery.
Heck—it could even save your life!
2. A Reflective Garment
Even if you’re just riding around the block real quick, wearing a reflective shirt, vest, or sweater could potentially save you from experiencing a dangerous bicycle accident.
Unfortunately, motorists don’t always pay attention while they’re driving.
And if you’re not standing out enough to get their attention, you run the risk of getting hit by a moving vehicle—and there’s nothing worse for a bike rider than to get involved in a collision with a car, truck, van, or some other type of vehicle.
So always wear something reflective that’ll really catch people’s attention—so that they’ll know where you are and can drive around you instead of over you!
3. A Phone
It’s important to bring your phone with you whenever you ride a bike.
Modern smartphones are amazing.
They give you the ability to instantly find directions to a location, call for help, be available in case someone else needs to call you, or locate specific types of businesses in your vicinity.
If the worst comes to the worst, you can also use your smartphone to record evidence at the scene of an accident.
Nobody ever wants to think that they might get into an accident. And hopefully, it never happens to you.
But if it does, it’s important to document the scene.
And a smartphone is a fantastic way to do this.
Imagine—you’re out riding your bike. When suddenly, a delivery truck slams into you, knocking you off your bike and injuring you.
It’s important to know what to do in such cases. And being able to document the scene with your phone is a crucial part of getting adequate compensation for the damages.
4. A Basic Repair Kit
It always pays to carry a basic repair kit with you whenever you ride a bike—even if it’s for a short distance.
This kit should contain a tire repair kit, spare tubes, a small air pump, and wrenches so that you can remove and replace the wheels.
You’ll also want to have any wrenches that are needed for adjusting the seat and handlebars.
A multipurpose tool is another great thing to keep with you, as well as any other pertinent pieces of maintenance gear that your bike’s owner’s manual recommends.
You never know when this gear could save you from a serious headache.
5. Water And A Snack
Always carry a water bottle with you so that you can stay hydrated while on the go.
And bringing along a couple of snacks never hurt anything either.
6. Personal Identification
Just because you’re not operating a motor vehicle doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t keep your identification on you at all times.
You can still get pulled over, even while you’re on a bicycle.
Plus, you’ll never know when you may need your ID for a specific or official purpose.
It’s just always better to be prepared. Conclusion
There you have it.
6 things that every bike rider should have on their person at all times.
Equipped with this information, you are now ready to get out there (while well equipped) to enjoy your bike ride.
You’ve got this.
Be careful and stay safe!