Helmets: Always wear a helmet. Choose one that is approved by the Canadian Standards Association, the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American National Standards Institute. If you have an accident that damages your helmet in any way, replace it immediately. Damage to the shock-absorbing polystyrene core may not be noticeable. When you buy a helmet, look for the same features for yourself and your children. Ask the sales staff about the shock absorbency, comfort and fit, impenetrability and security of the straps and buckles.
Clothing: Padded cycling shorts help reduce pressure points and chafing on the insides of the legs. If you're not comfortable with the skintight style try the regular shorts version with concealed padding. Padded gloves are also a good idea. They will protect your hands in the event of a fall and will also help prevent calluses from forming on your hands.
Locks: Unfortunately, a determined bicycle thief can break just about any type of lock. The U-shaped locks seem to be the safest bet, if only because thieves need more sophisticated tools to break them.
Tool Kit:Carry a basic repair kit containing: an inner tube or patch kit, a pump, tire levers, Allen keys, wrenches and a chain breaker. Remember that the tools won't help you if you don't know how to use them so be sure to ask at your local bike store for some help. Carry a basic repair kit containing: an inner tube or patch kit, a pump, tire levers, Allen keys, wrenches and a chain breaker. Remember that the tools won't help you if you don't know how to use them so be sure to ask at your local bike store for some help.
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