Being prepared for any scenario on a bike isn’t always easy. For starters, there isn’t a lot of room to have supplies at the ready in the case of an emergency. Still, accidents and crashes happen and sometimes essentials come in handy.
Many cyclists, whether they’re commuting around the Bay Area or taking on a longer trek, want to keep their load light. First aid kits can be bulky and sometimes include items that might not be ideal for most cyclists. It can be difficult to know which items are a must and which ones you can do without.
There are a few companies that make kits specifically for cyclists, like this one from MyMedic. They are small enough to stash in a backpack or saddlebag. You can also build your very own customized kit that fits in a sandwich bag and takes up minimal space.
Think about including the necessities that will carry the most impact for when you’re in a pinch. These items may be different for everybody. It might be an extra dose of an important medication, information about blood type or medical conditions, or preventative items that you can grab when you need them most. You may not be able to prepare for every situation you could encounter when on the road, but you will be better off for having a few of the essentials.
Consider the following items for your own first aid kit:
Wipes: Scrapes are a common injury for cyclists and in a lot of instances they don’t require immediate medical attention, but dirt and gravel from the road can be painful and make an injury worse if left untreated. It’s important to remove as much of this debris as quickly as you can. Medicated wipes help you quickly clean up a scrape and hold you over until you can wash the wound with soap and water. You can find these at your local pharmacy.
Bandages and Gauze: Big gashes and cuts can require stitches and medical care, but until you can get to see a professional, you may want to wrap the injury with gauze or a big bandage to keep it stable and protected from germs and bacteria, which can cause infection and make an otherwise minor injury something much worse and difficult to treat. Look for bandages that cover a larger surface area. A regular band aid won’t help in a situation where you have road rash or deep cut. Gauze can be wrapped tightly, which may be helpful with bleeding.
Extra Sunscreen + Bug Spray: Not all items in your first aid kit have to be relevant after an incident has occurred. In fact, it’s best to include a few items that can keep you comfortable and healthy along your ride. Many riders apply sunscreen and bug spray before a ride, but it often requires reapplication after a few hours. While not needed for immediate emergencies, these items do prevent uncomfortable sunburns and pesky bug bites, making for more comfortable rides down the road.
Antibiotic Cream: Whether it’s an injury from a crash or something else, like discomfort from chafing on a long ride, antibiotic cream is another good add to a cyclist’s first aid kit. The antibiotic properties means it’ll protect skin that is injured from unwanted pathogens. You can pick up a small tube over the counter – not prescription necessary – but remember that all cuts and injuries are different. If you notice that an issue persists after a few days, seek treatment. First aid kit items aren’t necessarily meant to heal injuries, but keep you stable until you can treat them more effectively.
Electrolyte Packets: Hydration is a high priority for cyclists, and if you’re riding hard, you may want to keep a few packets of electrolyte supplements handy. Mild dehydration can cause cramps, headache, and even dizziness. More serious cases can lead to organ failure and death. If you feel like you’re experiencing severe dehydration, call for help. For minor to moderate instances, having electrolytes you can mix in water can help replenish nutrients that are lost to sweat. This will help you finish a ride strong and save you from uncomfortable conditions later on after the ride.
Likewise, if you’re a cyclist that is covering long distances, you may want to keep an emergency protein bar handy.
Emergency card: Make a card to accompany your items that lists important information about you and your health in case you’re in an emergency and not responsive. Important information to include may be medical conditions, medications, allergies, an emergency contact, and blood type. You can print a card to fill out from the American Red Cross or make your own.
Make this card easily accessible and keep it up to date. First responders may be able to better assess your injuries and give you the proper treatment if they know of any conditions or medications.