Bicycle Safety Equipment
Lessen the Risk of Injury While Cycling
Hydration
The human body needs to replace fluids lost during exercise; therefore a cyclist must have a means for carrying water with him when he rides. This can be accomplished by one of two methods. The first method is to attach a water bottle via a cage to the frame of the bicycle. This is a convenient way to carry up to 24 ounces of water per bottle attached. For longer rides requiring larger quantities of water, a water backpack can hold as much as 100 ounces of water.
Bicycle Tires: Inflation, Repairs and Changing Tires
Flat tires are inevitable. To keep a cyclist moving requires equipment that can be carried on the frame of the bike or in a pouch under the seat.
The cornerstone of a bicycle repair kit is the patch kit which allows the cyclist to repair small holes in the inner tube. If the inner tube has a massive failure (blowout) a patch kit will not be sufficient. These instances require a new inner tube. Carry at least one correctly sized inner tube at all times, two if there is adequate space.
The correct tools will make repairing or changing inner tubes easier. Tire levers and a bicycle multi-tool should be enough to deal with most problems. One last detail is needed to get the cyclist back on two wheels; a means of inflating the inner tube. A portable pump fits nicely on the frame and provides a virtual endless supply of air. CO2 cartridges require less space and can provide up to 130 psi quickly.
Personal Protective Equipment: Bike Helmets and Gloves
There is one piece of equipment a cyclist should never ride without – his helmet. Even at slow speeds, a fall has the potential to cause a life-threatening head injury.
The cyclist should pay close attention to the condition of his helmet. According to Helmets.org, helmets should meet US Consumer Product Safety Commission standards or equivalent standards.
Helmets should be replaced if they have been in a crash, dropped hard enough to crack the foam or if they are ill-fitting. The foam in most helmets is made of expanded polystyrene (EPS). Manufacturers recommend that helmets made of EPS are replaced every 3 years due to deterioration.
Gloves, though mostly worn for comfort, can prevent painful abrasions should the cyclist fall on outstretched hands.
Learn to Use the Equipment Properly
Improperly utilized safety equipment and tools can be almost as dangerous as no equipment at all. Read the product brochure before use. To learn more, the local library has plenty of books to choose from related to bicycle safety equipment. If face to face instruction is desired, visit a local bicycle stop and inquire where safety classes are taught. Safety equipment used properly will enhance the cycling experience.
