Two Wheels, One Voice.

Proper Commuting Gear

Commuting Gear Basics

• You can commute on any bike as long as it is good working order.
• Road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, cross bikes, touring bikes all work great.
• The bike should reflect your riding style; relax on a 3 speed or hammer a road bike.

• A rear rack and panniers, a basket on the front or a backpack all work well.
• Panniers are most expensive and are usually waterproof; use them if you have them.
• Baskets don't carry much and backpacks can make you sweat through your clothing.

• Full fenders are recommended; use quick release or standard bolt-on style.
• The roadways can be wet from other things besides rain.
• Fenders also keep dirt and mud off of your clothes.

• Headlights are mandatory at night; white in front with a rear reflector in back.
• A red light on the rear of the bike increases visibility at night.
• Check batteries and replace them as soon as the light begins to dim.

• Always wear a helmet while riding your bike no matter what.
• A helmet is your last line of defense against injury in an accident.
• Prevent injury by knowing the rules of the road and acting predictably.
• Riding in Rain and Darkness

• Bring only tools that you know how to use; a pump is a necessity.
• Prepare for breakdowns with regular inspections of your bike.
• Carry a multi-tool with hex wrenches, screwdriver, chain tool; know how to use them.

• Carry a spare tube and patch kit at all times; keep another spare at work.
• Know the condition of your bike and its parts by inspecting it regularly.
• Keep a few spare parts that need regular replacement at work.

• Use a high-security U-lock; don't wait until your bike is stolen to invest in a good lock.
• Lock your bike to an immovable object in a highly visible area.
• Secure both wheels and other components if they can be easily removed.

Flat prevention

• Tire liners and flat resistant tires go a long way to help decrease flat tire occurrence.
• Replace tires when they are worn out; check pressure with a gauge.
• Familiarize yourself with how much air your tires lose each week.

Reflection

• Make sure that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians can see you at night.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing; apply reflective tape to helmet and bike.
• Ankle straps keep pant legs out of the chain and usually have a reflective strip.

Copyright © 2001 League of American Bicyclists.

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All text © 1999 - 2004 Bike Miami Valley, Ohio. Photographs © Thomas J. Recktenwalt. All Rights Reserved. For technical questions please contact the webmaster.