Bike To School Essentials Checklist

Biking to school is an excellent option for kids and college students, as it's cheap, environmentally friendly and offers daily exercise. However, anyone riding to school needs to get prepared first. Here's everything you should know to ensure a safe and fun trip to school.

How To Prepare for Biking to School

Before hitting the street, make sure your kids know the route. Additionally, check traffic news daily for any accidents or road work that could affect their path. It's also a good idea to check the weather forecast, as they don't want to get caught in a downpour.

Since your kids will be spending time in the sun, they should apply sunscreen before leaving the house. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause sunburns and even skin cancer, so protection is essential. Additionally, they should wear a hat or sunglasses to protect their eyes, as riding is dangerous if they can't see properly.

You should also adjust the bike for maximum visibility. Add reflective patches to the spokes so cars can see the bicycle at night. You can even add flashing LED lights for maximum safety.

Finally, make sure your student carries a bike lock. There are two types: U-locks and cable locks. The best way to protect a bike is to use both, as bike thieves will likely go for easier prey once they realize there are two locks on your kid's bike.

Best Bikes for Riding to School

The best bikes for commuting aren't necessarily the most expensive or elaborate. In fact, you should look for an affordable model, as bike theft is a huge issue on college campuses. It's better to get a cheaper bike than lose a high-cost one.

Additionally, you want to find a bike that accommodates accessories. The following are incredibly helpful to students who need to cart around belongings all day:

• Water bottle holder
• Rear rack
• Handlebar basket

Best Helmets To Wear on Your Bike Ride to School

The best helmet is one that fits correctly and protects the skull. If you want more from your helmet, look for models with moisture-wicking lining and holes for increased airflow.

Understandably, some kids may not want to wear helmets because they look "uncool." However, head protection is essential to prevent brain injuries. To help younger kids feel more comfortable with wearing a helmet, let them decorate theirs with stickers.

Packing a First Aid Kit

Scraped knees are unfortunately common on bike rides, so it's essential for kids to carry and know how to use a first-aid kit. You can easily make one for a bike by putting the following inside a water bottle:

• Medical gloves
• Tweezers
• Over-the-counter painkillers
• Medical tape
• Alcohol pads
• Antibiotic ointment
• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze pads
• Elastic bandages

Core Bike Repair Items

Over time, parts break or wear down, necessitating repairs. To avoid spending too much at a bike repair shop, you can do some maintenance yourself. Every bike owner should have the following items:

• Spoke wrench
• Chain whip
• Tire pump
• Extra tire tubes
• Grease
• Gear brush
• Tire lever
• Screwdriver
• Chain tool
• Hex wrench

What To Wear on Your Bike Ride to School

Physical exertion generates heat, so kids may get hot during their ride to school, even if it's cold out. The solution is to wear layers, so students will be comfortable during the commute and able to keep warm once they're at school. 

Don't Forget To Hydrate

Staying hydrated is essential anytime you're working out. Lack of water on a hot day can lead to dehydration and heatstroke. Make sure kids carry a water bottle so they can rehydrate at any point in their ride.

Riding a bike to school is an excellent way to save money on gas and encourage kids to exercise. You can ride as a family, or older students can commute by themselves.