spokesNspin

It is helpful for a bicycle commuter if their employer is supportive.  I am fortunate in that regard with the building of my current employer.

We have a very good place for parking our bikes.  It is in the parking garage.  That puts the bike out of the weather.  It is also in a building where only employees with ID badges are allowed.  They have also provided lockers at the racks where one can store bicycle gear.  There are two bars on the walls where a bicycle lock can be stored so you don’t need to haul it back and forth.  Here is what it looks like.

We have a gym in our building and employees are allowed to use the showers without being a member of the gym.  This is great for bicycle commuters and people who may want to take a lunch time run.

Just recently they have added this:

That is great that air is now available to pump up bike tires.  I appreciate the support that is given for bicycle commuting in my building.  But…

Does this encourage improper planning on the part of cyclists?

Being a responsible bicycle rider involves not only riding technique but also having the proper equipment for certain emergencies.   The collection of tools you should carry depends on your ride.  When I am doing a self contained bicycle tour I carry much more than if I am just taking a little spin near my home.

As a minimum, a bicycle commuter should have the skill and tools to take care of a flat tire.  There are many who don’t carry the tools and rely on the good will of fellow cyclists to help them out.  The required tools would be a pump, patch kit, and tire levers.  An extra tube is also useful. 

There are also lots of multi-tools on the market that would make any Swiss Army knife owner green with envy.  But I like to carry the Park MT-1.

As the description on the Park Tool web site explains, “The MT-1 is a high quality multi-tool that is uncomplicated, easy to use, and effective. “  I have found this to be very true and I have a bunch of multi-tools.  It is by far my favorite and it is about the least expensive.  You can buy it for under $10.00