13 Bike Accessories To Make Your Rides Safer and Smarter

Bike helmets are a safety must. If you’ve opted out of wearing a helmet because you don’t want to ruin your look, consider grabbing this sleek matte helmet from Bern. For added protection get the $100 version that includes technology that reduces rotational forces caused by angled impact to the head. Both come in sand (pictured), black, ocean blue, forest green, green, and blush pink; and in three sizes (small, medium, and large). For everyone out there who wears a wig—the large fit comfortably over my already-large head, five bundles of 20-inch kinky curly, and poorly done too-big cornrows.

Depending on where you live and where you plan to bike, you may need a lock. Kryptonite makes some of the best bike locks out there in a variety of different strengths. For reference, I use the above lock when riding around Queens and Brooklyn. But the person at the bike shop let me know I’d need something stronger if I planned to lock up in Manhattan.

This bike basket is great for stopping by a farmer’s market or grabbing a few things from the grocery store. It locks into a base that attaches to the bike and can be quickly removed to carry around for errands. Note that the max weight is 13 pounds, so you don’t want to fill it up with your heaviest buys.

Made from quick-drying neoprene, this Dagne Dover backpack will keep you as comfortable as you can be on those hot days when your back is drenched in sweat. It has designated spots for sneakers, wallet, phone, lip balm, keys, and laptops. It comes in black (pictured), dune pink, and heather gray.

Bike bells are great for letting pedestrians and fellow bikers that they’re in your path. (You may want to just yell to ensure drivers can hear you.) It comes in the seven above colors and in both right-hand and left-hand configurations. This means you can get a bell that aligns with your dominant hand or works well with what’s already on your handlebars. For example, if you have an electric bike with a throttle on your left handlebar, you’d want a bell on your right handlebar.

I cannot tell you how many times my U-locks have flown out of the elastic band that “secures” them to my back rack. These leather holsters will hold your locks in place while you ride and look adorable while doing it. No worries if you don’t have a rack—it can also attach to your seat or front basket. It comes in tan (pictured), brown, and black leather.

An insulated bag is a necessity for picnics and beach days to keep your food at a safe temperature. This trunk bag is designed to attach to a bike’s back rack.

This is inarguably the most unnecessary item on this list, but look at how cute it is! Riding up with a wine bottle in a leather holder seems so picturesque. Before you hit add to card, take a beat to make sure this holder is compatible with your bike frame.

Keep it classic with this basket from Retrospec. It’s made from a durable woven cane with authentic leather straps and brass buckles to attach it to your handlebars. It holds a maximum of 15 pounds.

Keep your phone, keys, and wallet close with this water-resistant Dange Dover crossbody bag. It’s available in dune pink (pictured), onyx black, navy storm, dark moss, and heather gray.

If you need GPS to get to your destination, a hands-free phone holder is a non-negotiable. This mount from Rotto will keep your phone in view and protected from the elements. There’s also enough room to fit in a few credit cards and keys.

Lights are great to help you see and be seen while riding in the dark. Even if you don’t plan on taking night rides, you never know when you could end up out later than expected. This set includes rechargeable lights for your handlebars and rear rack that each has four light modes.

If you don’t have a shelter to store your bike under, you need a cover to protect your bike from the elements. This cover comes in two sizes and six colors. There are two holes in the front to allow you to lock the cover and front wheel to a structure with ease. However, with a bit of finesse, you can also lock your frame up while using this cover.