Bike Month powers on, with longer days, nice weather, and less crowded streets — making it the perfect time to put the pedal to the metal.
You may not be commuting to work or school on the UCLA campus, but it's easy to incorporate biking into daily activities, like grocery shopping or getting some exercise. Here are the must-haves to be road-ready and how to keep yourself and the two-wheeler safe.
Safety First
It's not required to wear a helmet if you are over 18 years old, but it is always better to have the added protection. Make sure it fits well too.
Be Cool
Avoid dehydration and keep your energy levels up on any length ride by bringing water. Buy a water bottle cage to make it easy to attach to your bike. And don't forget to protect yourself from harmful UV rays with sunscreen.
Get Lit
Make yourself noticeable! It’s a legal requirement to fit your bike with a white front light and red rear reflector for night riding.
Fix It
Get a basic repair and maintenance kit. The main supplies you should have in your kit are a spare inner tube, tire levers, patch kit, mini-pump, and a folding multi-tool. These necessary items are a step in the right direction for any ride.
Active Wear
Dress for the weather and visibility. Shield your eyes from the spring sunshine with sunglasses. Ride responsibly and wear a face-covering to protect yourself and others.
Picture This
Always carry a photo ID in case of an emergency.
Lock It Up
To lock your bike, use a U-shaped lock or a heavy steel cable lock or a combination of the two. Secure both wheels and the frame to an immovable object. Lock your bike in a well-lit area with high foot traffic, get a tight fit, and remove or secure any accessories before leaving your bike. Finally, register your bike through the free Bike Index to establish proof of ownership.
Talk To Me
Your smartphone serves multiple purposes. It's good to have on you if you run into trouble and can be used for navigation or as a fitness tracker. You can also use it to show us your favorite place to ride on social media for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card or bike accessory kit! Share where you like to go biking on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using #UCLABikeMonth and be sure to tag us to enter the contest.
