In the last post we looked at you. Now we’ll touch on a few more things you’ll need before you start your journey.
Do you have a good helmet? Is it a good fit? If it’s damaged or the padding is worn it may be time to get yourself a new one. There’s a big range of styles out there, just make sure it fits properly.
You’ll need to work out a way to carry your stuff. Backpacks are handy but can get a bit sweaty in summer, courier bags are suitable on upright bikes but can swing round if you ride leaning forward. You can fit a carrier on the back of your bike or a basket up front, or get traditional style panniers. The growth of bike-packing has also seen the invention of frame bags, top tube bags and handlebar bags. However, if you’re just starting out, a simple backpack will do.
Get a good front and rear light because you don’t want to be caught out in the dark without them. There’s plenty of good rechargeable ones out there. I run mine day and night for added visibility.
If you want to keep your bike, you’ll also need a lock. Unless you can store your bike securely at work, you’ll need to invest good money on a hefty chain or D type Lock. Cheap cable type locks are easily cut by professional thieves, they only prevent an opportunist from stealing it. If you’re leaving your bike for long periods, an additional lock for your wheels can stop those disappearing too. Is there a secure area at work for your bike? If there isn’t, can they supply a decent rack to lock your bike to?
Download the 529 Garage app. It’s a service that can help the police get your bike back to you if it is stolen and recovered. It also has a list of recently stolen bikes so you can check if the bike you’re buying online is not on the stolen list. It’s free to register, but to help support their work they sell stickers that advertise your bike is registered with them.
Even if you don’t sign up to 529 Garage, record the serial number of your bike, note any special accessories or unique details and take photos. It may help you get your bike back if it does get stolen. Putting an air-tag in a hidden place may also help you recover your bike. Some e-bikes have integrated alarms and GPS tracking devices.
Most household insurance policies will cover bikes, but check the maximum value covered, the excess and exclusions around leaving your bike unlocked anywhere.
That covers the bare basics to get your commuting journey under way. In the next session we’ll look at how to plan your route to get you to work without becoming a nervous wreck.
Check out the rest of the Commute by Bike series
- A series to help start your bike commuting journey
- Choosing a bike for commuting
- You and bike commuting
- What stuff do you need for bike commuting?
- Route planning for bike commuting
- Safety tips for bike commuting
- Motivation when you start bike commuting
- Pimping your ride for a bike commute
- What clothes do you need for bike commuting?
- Maintaining your bike for commuting
- Watch-outs for bike commuting
- Coping with road rage when you commute by bike
- Going electric or going alternative for your bike commute
- So you’re a bike commuter. What next?
