Here’s how to start biking to work every day

In the month of May, we celebrate a few things: the start of summer. The arrival of healthy sunshine after months of grim skies. And bikes. Okay, so perhaps we don’t know exactly who deemed ‘Bike to Work’ month but we’re fans of the concept. Not only is it better for the environment but those who exercise first thing in the morning see increased levels of creativity and focus.

They also stimulate their overall health and well-being and get the benefit of fresh air to start their brain flow. Depending on where you live biking to work might not be an option, but if you happen to live in a city, or within a 20-minute drive of one, switching your transit card or car for a two-wheeler could be one of the best choices you ever make. To get yourself equipped and ready to roll — no pun intended — consider these bike buys:

First, stop by a cycling shop.

Sure, you could order a bike offline. You could also go to a warehouse or big box store. But if you really want a bicycle that’s made for your height and your speed, it’s best to head straight to the experts. A local cycling center will make stellar recommendations within your budget and based on your lifestyle. No matter if you live in a teeny-tiny apartment without bike storage or a condo by the water, let them guide your purchase.

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Priority Bicycles Stack Folding Helmet

Especially if you’re in an open office plan, space isn’t exactly something you have. You want to make your bike accessories as condensed as possible, so this helmet is a must-buy. It stacks to a compact size, but still offers the protection and safety you need while you’re on the road. It’s also super-light, at only 330 grams, so you won’t have to lug around a heavy load on top of your laptop, charging cable, notebook and the list goes on…

Solo New York Hybrid Backpack Tote

You want to have a backpack for your bicycle commute — but a tote for your client presentation. This multi-purpose (and affordable) bag serves as both. We love the simple design, waterproof material and best of all, how light it is. Strap it on, take it off and power through your day.

Nite Ize SpokeLit Wheel Lights

For when a last-minute revision or comment from the client has you in the office past sunset, you need to have protective lights to keep you safe. These hook on to your wheels and will illuminate as you travel. Though you’ll also want to have regular lights on the back and front, these add a fun dimension that will definitely catch the attention of passersby, and most importantly, cars.

Grease Monkey Wipes

Even if you’re in a city where mud isn’t exactly a common fear, biking can still be a dirty deed. You want to keep your wheels greased up but you definitely don’t want that gunk on you when you’re about to head into a meeting. To the rescue are these wipes, created by a pair of friends who had to change a flat in the middle of nowhere on a 100-mile bike ride. Their hands were left sticky and gross, and they couldn’t clean them easily. So, they created these multi-purpose, pre-moistened and disposable cleaning wipes that remove oil, grime, and you guessed it, grease!

Wild Friends Foods Vanilla Collagen Almond Butter

Exercise in the morning can leave you feeling energized but it also supercharges your metabolism. This is a great thing — but it could also leave you hungry. And if you don’t load up on protein before you attend a two-hour brainstorming session, your growling tummy could easily lead you to the darker world of hanger. Pack these for the ride and enjoy one with an apple or banana.

Google Home Hub

No, you don’t want to bring this with you to play music on your ride — but it can help save you time, traffic and headaches. Once you set up your account and location, you can let Google take care of the research for you when it comes to your commute and route. You can ask ‘Hey Google, how long will it take to bike to work today?’, or if you’re worried about the weather, simply ask about it. You won’t have to worry about being caught in a downpour in the middle of an avenue again!