Whether you are an avid cyclist or new to the sport, you’ll want to make sure that you are keeping your bicycle experience as safe and fun as possible. Here are some of the best accessories for a safer bike ride.

Mind Your Chain

One of the most important mechanical components of a bicycle, the chain, can cause you the most headaches when something goes awry. If you’ve ever had your chain fall off during a ride, you’ll know how frustrating it can be to go searching for it on the trail or road only to have to put it back on before you can resume your journey. To reduce the possibility of a loose chain being lost, you can install a bicycle chain watcher, which is an inexpensive attachment that prevents the chain from falling off your bike.

Wear a Helmet

This one may seem obvious, but you might have noticed just how many people ride their bikes on busy roads without wearing a helmet. Should you be in a bicycle crash, a helmet can save your life and most are reasonably priced. When looking for a bike helmet, you should find one that fits your head well, is comfortable enough that you will wear it every ride and potentially has added safety features, such as MIPS technology. You should also be aware that if your helmet is ever exposed to any damage it should be replaced, due to the reduced efficacy once the helmet has been compromised.

Turn On the Lights

Another excellent way to keep your rides safe, especially if you are riding on roads at night, is to utilize bicycle lights. There is a wide variety of styles, from headlamps you can wear over your helmet to rechargeable lights that attach to your bike frame, so find something that works for you. Typically, you’ll attach red lights to the rear of your bicycle that flash intermittently to alert drivers that you are on a bike. White lights generally face forward and can be used both for visibility to others and for the rider. Lights can be used any time there is lower visibility, whether in fog, transition times or at night.

As you can see, there are many ways to make riding a bike safer and these are some of the top accessories that can help. After all, riding a bike is one of the best ways to get outside, get some exercise and feel the wind on your face.