Equipment

locks, lights, reflectors

Locking your bike properly is important. As a general guide, so called D-locks, Dutch Dial locks and cable locks are ones to go for, but you should aim to spend £20-£25 on them, to make sure you get one which will offer real protection against lock-smashing thieves. This may sound like a lot of money, but compared to the cost of a replacement bike the investment is minimal. A good set of lights and reflectors is also very important: it is illegal and dangerous to cycle in the dark without them. CUSU is planning to sell cost-price lights and locks via College students’ unions (contact the Welfare and Graduates Officer), but you can get various types of lights from all bicycle shops. Remember that the law stipulates that you lights should be fixed beam, not flashing. You may also wish to consider wearing bright, fluorescent, reflective clothing, to make you more visible.

helmets

Nobody ever expects to fall off their bicycle but every year thousands of cyclists are involved in cyclists (with around 70% of injuries being to the head). Look out for a sticker on the inside of the helmet which confirms it’s passed the quality standards. Foam-based helmets do not re-expand after impact so if you have an accident, buy a new helmet.