| There are a few things you'll need to have when you | | | | where no helmet law exists. Get a good quality helmet |
| start cycling. The first and most obvious is a quality | | | | that fits you snugly. Since you'll be wearing it every |
| bike that fits you! While that might seem like a | | | | time you go out on your bike, spending a little more to |
| no-brainer, plenty of people start out on bikes that are | | | | get a helmet that's comfortable is a smart idea. |
| too small, or made with poor quality parts, just because | | | | Remember that this item could mean the difference |
| they're cheaper. The right fit and a well made bike can | | | | between safety and a trip to the hospital. Even if |
| make your ride a lot easier, however. Don't be | | | | you're a careful cyclist, rough terrain, careless |
| tempted to bargain shop for your bicycle. Instead, buy | | | | pedestrians and drivers who don't watch where |
| one that will last you a long time. Once you have a | | | | they're going are all hazards. |
| bike that's right for you, it's time to get the other items | | | | Clothes |
| that will help you become a regular cyclist. | | | | While special cycling clothing is certainly optional, it's |
| Lights | | | | wise to pay attention to what you're wearing. Loose |
| The minimum required by law for your bike is a few | | | | garments should be avoided, or tucked up so they |
| reflectors. However, a headlight and tail light are helpful, | | | | don't get caught in the chain. Stay warm, but |
| even in daylight hours. When it's dark and rainy, they | | | | remember that exercise can make you get |
| can make a big difference in your visibility to cars. | | | | overheated in clothes that are comfortable when |
| Choose lights with long battery life and reasonable | | | | you're not riding. If you're riding a long distance to work, |
| lighting power, but be sure that you don't pick a light so | | | | a separate set of clothes to bike in will keep your |
| bright it'll blind pedestrians and other cyclists. | | | | work clothing pristine and odor-free. |
| Tools | | | | Locks |
| Just like driving a car, accidents do happen while you're | | | | Unless you're lucky enough to live in an area where |
| biking. Keep a small tool kit on you at all times to take | | | | you can keep your bike inside all the time, a lock is |
| car of flat tires, uncooperative chains, loose bolts and | | | | important. Even in rural areas, there are people who |
| other problems. A good kit will contain enough tools to | | | | will gladly steal and resell your bicycle. For some, a |
| get a wheel off, a spare inner tube, a puncture kit, and | | | | simple chain and padlock will do the job. If you live |
| a small emergency pump. If you have a cell phone, | | | | somewhere with more determined thieves, however, a |
| think about taking it, too. | | | | good lock is vital. Kryptonite brand is popular, but others |
| Helmet | | | | work just as well. Be willing to pay a little bit for a good |
| While it's legal in most locations to go without a helmet, | | | | lock - it could be the thing that keeps you from having |
| in many others, one is required. If you're planning on | | | | to buy a whole new bike. |
| biking regularly, it's smart to have one even in areas | | | | |