If you have a bike/bikes in your garage that get used, having a first aid kit designed to deal with bike related injuries is practical. Don’t you think?
Supporting you and your family to SMILE when you ride.
So do you have one? A first aid kit for bike injuries doesn’t have to be huge just easy to access and ready when you most need it. This means that 10 times out of 10 it should be with you on your big day rides or family rides…
Every bike riding family or group has a story of the “best” one. The accident that left everyone cringing or the near miss where you are sighing with relief. We have a few in our family. To follow are some examples of injuries you may have to deal with while bike riding:
- bruising
- bleeding knees
- gravel in hands/knees
- split lips
- bee stings
- broken bones – usually wrist or collarbone
- scratches, cuts
- prickles depending on what bush/tree/gorse they landed on
- dust, insects, branches in eyes
Not all riding will end with injury, you may go your whole bike riding life without a single incident. But when something does happen the best outcomes can only be achieved if you have supplies on hand.
How should you carry a First Aid Kit for Biking?
Here are some ideas for small, compact, day or simple overnight kits;
- in a packback/hydration bag
- in a seat bag that goes under a seat
- handlebar bags are ideal as they give quick access
- frame bags that attach inside the triangles your frame makes
- in the car at the end of the track. There is obvious risk with this choice but it does mean your kit can be bigger than what you would comfortably carry. We recommend carrying a small kit and keeping extra’s in the car especially if your family/riding group is bigger than 2-3 people
Think easy, quick access so don’t pack it at the bottom of a bag. A first aid kit would be best in a handlebar bag/frame bag/seat bag. Positioned near the top.
What should be in the First Aid Kit?
A basic day/simple overnight kit should include
- anti-bacterial/sterile wipes
- plasters of varying sizes
- adhesive & non-adhesive dressings
- wound dressing
- tweasers/splinter probe
- eye wash/wound irrigation
- triangular bandage
- crepe bandages
- gloves, safety pins, cotton buds
- emergency blanket (if it’s an overnight trip, one for everyone in the group)
Broken bones and concussion can happen with bike accidents. If you have any concerns take them to your doctor or accident clinic immediately.
Warning signs of concussion include headaches, tiredness, memory loss, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise.
Replacement & Knowledge
At home waiting…
At an absolute minimum have some kind of biking first aid kit ready to deal with injuries as the cyclists in your family arrive home. Ideally what you would have at home waiting is a refill kit so that if you do need to use some products in your mobile kit you have spares to fill up the gaps. This avoids those situations where you grab for the kit to find everything you want gone!!
My last piece of advice involves knowledge – choose to know what to do. Life with a bike can be amazing but like everything it may throw you some terrible moments where a clear head would be appreciated. Having quick access to first aid supplies and knowing how to use them on your ‘patient’ is a step in the right direction.
Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.
First Aid Buying Guide
Use the full range of gear carrying options to get the right solutions for you and your family.
Carrying Gear Buying Guide
Use the full range of gear carrying options to get the right solutions for you and your family.
Isolated Riding - Am I Safe?
When you go for a ride in isolated areas what will keep you safe? Do you need to plan or prepare in a better way? Lets find out.
How Much Water Do You Need?
Hydration is a really important part of riding a bike. This story covers all you need to know about water.
Ride More Places
Bike Gear Stories
Types of Riding Stories
Support and inspire other riders and families to ride
Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.
goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride