How can my bike survive NYC?
Security: Take everything off the bike that can come off – losing lights is a real pain. If you can be bothered, get a seat that comes off and take that with you when you leave the bike as a bike without a saddle is less attractive. Spraypaint the bike some godawful colour. Others have spoken about locks – two is a good thing. The other thing to think about is placement. Don’t chain your bike anywhere unstable (vandals might kick it if they can’t steal it, and if it’s secure against something that’s less likely to do harm). Don’t chain it anywhere out-of-sight. I prefer to walk 100m to a brightly lit public railing than cycle right to my destination. Safety: Wear a helmet. Wear something bright during the day and reflective at night: I have a dirt-cheap workman’s vest type thing which is bright yellow with a reflective strip. I look like a fool, but I haven’t been hit yet. Lights lights lights. On the bike, and on you – a lot of the little LED ones have clips that you can attach to clo
