People have been pedaling to work since the invention of the bicycle, but practicing this environmentally-friendly commute is a bit trickier now than it was during the Victorian era. With so many cars on our roads and a lack of bike lanes, biking to work can be a dangerous endeavor. Fortunately, there are now more cycling-oriented accessories that make commuting by bike safer and less stressful. Here are three essential accessories for biking to work.
Helmet
Whether or not a helmet is a legal requirement or social norm, worn correctly, it can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%. Even if you’re a very experienced rider, accidents happen. Your fault or not, if your head hits the pavement at speed, a helmet could save you from brain damage or death. Modern helmets are comfortable and are well ventilated for summer and can even keep your head warm in winter with a cold-weather kit.
Tire repair kit
A tire repair kit is not an accessory most people would consider when they are getting ready to go for a bike ride. However, this little box of goodies might just save your day when things go wrong. Even if you never see yourself in this situation, it’s always better to be prepared than to be caught off guard. Pack along a spare tube, tire levers, and a pump or have a can of flat tire repair foam at the ready. If you don’t have quick-release wheels, make sure you bring tools for removing them.
Reflective high visibility vest
When it comes to commuting by bike, you need to be as visible as possible. There are many great options for staying seen and safe on the road. Reflective high visibility vests have been a lifesaver for bike commuters since they were created, but there are some other accessories that can help too.