Back-to-School Gear Every Cyclist Needs
Seeing your kids leave for school is bittersweet no matter their age. But it’s easier to send them off with a smile if you know that on the way to and from school, they’ll be enjoying some time on the bike. Whether you’re helping your preschooler scoot along on a balance bike to get to class or watching your 18-year-old pack her commuter up for college, make sure they have the right gear.
A Quality Helmet
Every good commute begins with a properly fitted helmet. If you don’t already have one for your commuting student, head to your local bike shop to make sure you buy one. Some kids may prefer the bowl style of traditional commuter helmets, while others may want their helmet to work for their after-school ride as well, like the Giro Montaro mountain biking helmet.
A Durable Backpack
You can’t head to school without a backpack, but it can be tough to find one that stands up to commuting demands while still looking cool. Timbuk2 has quite a few great bag options, ranging from backpacks to classic messenger bags. With several sizes of each bag, you can find one that fits no matter how small your kid is. If you live in a rainy area, make sure your backpack reflects that: Ortlieb makes ultra-waterproof options with roll-down tops to prevent any “my homework got wet and ruined” excuses.
Some Blazing Lights (and Sometimes Sounds)
Even if your commuter will usually be rolling home in broad daylight, a rear and front light setup is good for those long, lingering playdates, or grim rainy days. Get plenty of bang for your buck by combining light and sound with the Orp (and we apologize to your eardrums in advance if you have a trigger-happy kid). Industrial designer Tory Orzeck created the Orp in response to two bike crashes in Portland, Oregon, in which both cyclists were right-hooked by commercial trucks. Along with an electrical engineer and sound designer, he set out to make a bike bell that would help cyclists be seen as well as heard.
But for a kid who’s always losing things, opt for the cheaper Lezyne Femto. This minimalist lights come packed with thoughtful details. The lens cover doubles as an on/off button that also lets you toggle between four blink rates and a steady beam, and it clips onto anything: bike, clothing, or backpack. The lights are available individually for $15 or $28 per pair—white for front, red for rear.
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An Ironclad Lock
Most schools have pretty beat-up bike racks, so bringing a strong, solid lock is key. Speaking of keys, we recommend putting your kid's on a really ostentatious keychain that won’t be easy to lose: No one wants to head to school with a hacksaw in order to reclaim his kid’s bike. There are tons of new high-tech locks to choose from, or you can opt for an old-fashioned lock from Kryptonite or other tried-and-true companies that can stand the test of time. If your kid (or you) is forgetful, consider a lock that’s already attached to the bike, like the Interlock, which is actually built into the seatpost. Last word: Make sure your kid knows how to lock the bikecorrectly—nothing ruins a school day like finding your ride home has vanished.
A Weatherproof Raincoat
Weather won’t always go your way, so make sure your kids are ready to brave the elements with proper rain gear. There aren’t a lot of cycling-specific rain jackets out there for children, but for older students, check out some of Giro’s latest offerings—like the women’s Neo Rain Jacket—in order to provide style as well as function on their morning rides.
The Perfect Bike
It’s tough to ride to school without the right bike. If your kid is riding adult-sized bikes, there are a few great, cheap options for dedicated commuters that still look great. And if you’re shopping for someone a little smaller, we found 13 awesome bikes for kids who want to shred.
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