SMALL TALK: Bike Bling, Things To Consider

A cool article in the Wall Street Journal last week triggered this quick blog.

We all know that bicyclists have a few necessities. Some are for safety and some even required by New York law. Did you know that a “bike bell” is required by the New York VTL §1236? If you need one, look at the Spurcycle Bell, at Spurcycle.com, or at Amazon.com, for $32 and up.

A helmet is required for those through age 14, according the VTL 1238(5), unless otherwise required by the locality you are in. See, giro.com, for a Giro Register, designed with an extra internal liner which can minimize the amount of rotational forces your head experiences in a crash. There are, of course, many options in this category. But we recommend them for all riders no matter the age.

Along with each of the items in this blog, The Wall Street Journal also recommended a bike helmet mirror that is kind of cool looking and very adjustable. See, Safe Zone Helmet Mirror — Efficient Velo Tools (EVT) . (WSJ, 4/1/23, Off Duty, D15)

Bike locks are worthwhile, too, if you worry about your bike being stolen from the local bike rack. So, for a really good lock, try The Kryptonite New-U New York, sold at REI.com. It’s very sturdy and a solid deterrent to taking your bike. But, if you want a “bike alarm” and want to track your bike if it is stolen, see, US.Knog.com, for the “Knog Scout”. This is a bike alarm and finder.

Of course, there are many bike products on-line and in the bike stores similar to these. Find what you need and bike safely!