by Rob Dacosta

Created on: September 01, 2006   Last Updated: April 27, 2007

An essential list should be straightforward:

1) Basic maintenance check (brakes, tires, cables, etc.).
2) Visibility (lighting, reflectors, clothing).
3) Helmet (properly fit and in good condition).
4) Bell (simple 'dinger' type costs about $2.00).
5) Carry liquids (optional - against dehydration).
6) Understanding the 'rules of the road'.

Except for number one all of the succeeding points are simple and straightforward. Whether the rider is an adult or child the main point is to keep it basic. All of the above do that by emphasizing safety without overloading the rider with rules they don't understand, haven't the time for, or think of as unnecessary.

Bicycling is mostly about having fun and being safe. It's easier to do that with a simple list of essential information that can be taken seriously.

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