MSU cyclist Thomas Baumann knows how to protect his noggin; he's always wearing his helmet when riding on campus. (for those interested, this is a 1936 Raleigh 3-spd. donated by a 1950 alumnus which was purchased used in 1947 from a bike shop near campus)

MSU Bikes is all about promoting safe bicycling on the MSU campus.


Helmets

At the top of the list & coincidentally, your body, is head safety. We highly recommend the use of helmets when riding around campus or anywhere for that matter. We recently had a student with a helmet stop by the Service Center who shared one of the simplest summaries we've ever heard for why wearing a helmet makes sense:

"When people say 'helmets look stupid' I just say 'Would you rather look stupid or be stupid?'".

• If you're not convinced, perhaps you'd like to read some stories about helmets saving lots of lives? Click here (presented by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute).
  
  
• The MSU Bike Project's co-founder, Gus Gosselin, has his own story about how his helmet saved his life a few years back, so you don't have to go far to know it's worth it.

• Here's a great site called "Safety is Sexy" to help people see helmets as sexy (yes, sexy); has a ton of great materials, photos, videos, etc. promoting bike helmets and other bike safety issues.
  
  

Be Seen !! Lights

Take the Awareness test...

We stock the brightest, lightest tail light available these days, the Planet Bike Blinky Superflash Tail Light.

Watch this video to understand why it's important to stand out from your environment. Wear the brightest clothing you can find; safety-vests rock if you'd rather not flip for a new jacket. We're also very big on good lighting for your bike, especially if you commute or ride on the road (as you should) around campus. We stock a great selection of strong headlights and rear lights to fit any budget.

A tail light is required by Michigan State Law when riding after dark, but if you ask any commuter or experienced bicyclist, they'll advise you to run with tail and head lights (strobe is best) all day (use rechargeable batteries and you don't have to worry about the expense of replacing batteries). Why use lights during the day?  Well, when you ride in and out of dark shadowy areas of the roads you can become almost invisible to a motorist who’s eyes haven’t adjusted to the darkness in that split second which could cost you dearly.

Eye Protection

Protecting your eyes is highly recommended while you're riding; we stock a good variety of glasses, both tinted and clear for riding after hours or in low-light conditions. Prices range from bargain basement on up.

Fenders

Going along with eye protection is using fenders to keep your tires from picking up road debris and throwing it in your eyes. Most people associate fenders with keeping water and mud off yourself, but overlook the protection they provide your eyes. A good commuter bike isn't complete without fenders! We stock a good supply and variety of them.

Bells/ Horns

Yes, we're all about bells and horns too. How many pedestrians, cyclists, motorists are busy talking on their cell phones or listening to their iPods or other radios? I'd guess it's approaching 50%. Get yourself a nice little bell for letting peds know you're about to pass them and then consider something stronger like the AirZound Bike Horn for getting yourself noticed by motorists in no uncertain terms! We stock a good selection of bells and horns including the AirZound.