7 Tips For Biking Alone: Stay Safe, Feel Confident

While lots of folks LOVE going on group rides, there are many others (myself included) who actually prefer to ride by themselves.

And even if group rides are totally your jam, there might be days where riding solo makes more sense. Biking by yourself allows you to fit in a ride on your own schedule, accomplish your training objectives, and get a little “me time.”

That said, there are plenty of folks who feel intimidated by heading out for a ride by themselves. They may be worried about their safety or be concerned about fixing their bike if it breaks down while they are out on their own.

In this article (and video), I share 7 tips on how to bike by yourself–safely and confidently. These are all strategies I personally employ, and have gotten me through thousands and thousands of solo miles.

Bring Everything You Need To Be Self Sufficient

One thing I’ve seen over and over again is women going on group rides or pedaling with their significant other, and relying on others to have all the essentials. (I’ve been guilty of this myself when biking with my husband).

When riding by yourself, however, it’s critical that you have everything that you might need. Be self-reliant!

Make sure, at a minimum, to have the following in your saddle bag, hip pack, or hydration pack:

• A pump and/or CO2 cartridges
• A spare tube and/or tubeless repair kit
• Tire levers
• A bike-specific multi-tool
• Food
• Water and electrolytes
• Fully charged cell phone
• Cash or credit card
• Photo ID (or road ID)

This items may seem like common sense, but common sense is not always common practice. In addition to tools, food, and water, make sure your cell phone has a fully-charged battery before you leave the house. This will allow you to call for help, or navigate your way home if you get lost.

A bit of cash or a credit card is also a good idea. You never know when you might need to pay an entry fee, grab a snack from a convenience store, or buy a spare tube off of a fellow rider.

There are very few problems you can’t get out of with a cell phone and money.

For longer rides or those in more remote areas, you might need to carry even more. Read my articles on what to pack for a bike ride and how to build a comprehensive on-the-bike toolkit for more on this.

Learn How To Fix Your Bike

Carrying a pump and tube isn’t going to help if you don’t know how to change a flat. Take time BEFORE you go ride by yourself to learn how to fix basic mechanical issues.

This should include changing a flat tire, reattaching a slipped chain, repairing a broken chain, and using a multi-tool to tighten bolts or raise or lower your saddle.

You can learn any of these skills by watching YouTube videos, asking a friend to teach you, or by taking a local clinic for women. Many bike shops and women’s cycling clubs offer mechanical clinics for women periodically throughout the year.

Let Someone Know Where You’re Going….And Give Them A Way To Find You

Before you head out for a solo ride, let someone (your significant other, your best friend, your mom) know that you’re going and a general idea of what your route is going to be. It’s also a good idea to use modern technology to let them keep tabs on you.

If riding in a remote area without cell phone reception, a Spot tracker or Garmin InReach is a good idea. These devices requires a subscription fee but will allow your family to track you online, AND lets you send a request for help if you have an emergency.

If you’re staying in areas with reliable cell service, then you can share your location using one of the following:

• Location sharing feature in the Google Maps app
• “Find my” app on Apple phones
• Beacon via the safety pack in the Strava app
• LiveTrack via your Garmin
• Real Time GPS Tracker app
• Road ID app

Consider Your Physical Safety

For women in particular, going out alone can be scary. You know that saying: would you rather encounter a bear or a man in the wild? Frankly, both are a concern.

If I’m biking in more remote areas, I carry pepper spray. It stays on my body in a jersey pocket or hip pack. A whistle isn’t a bad choice either, but may be less helpful if nobody is around to hear (although it can still be effective in the bear scenario).

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Never wear headphones and never mention that you’re alone. If someone asks, you can say your husband is a way back. It’s fine to be friendly, but you don’t need to be overly friendly either. I’ll usually wave and say hi, but keep on moving.

Also, listen to your gut. If an area feels sketchy, turn around and head home or call for a ride.

When Riding On The Road Make Sure You’re Visible

A big pack of cyclists is a lot more visible than a solo cyclist. (Although sadly, riding in a group doesn’t guarantee your safety either).

Still, you should make sure to focus on your visibility when riding alone on the road. I recommend focusing on 3 things:

• Make sure your bike is visible. Add reflective tape to your frame and/or add lights to your wheels.
• Make sure your body is visible. Choose shoes and a helmet that have reflective details. Pick out clothes that include high-vis fabric.
• Use lights. Lights are particularly important when riding in the dark or during hours just after sunrise and at dusk. For more tips, check out our post on riding in the dark.

You could also use a device like the Garmin Varia which alerts you when cars are approaching from behind.

Pick Populated Areas And/Or Ride Conservatively

When riding off-road, you might want to consider how popular the trail is that you’re using. The more populated, the more likely you’ll be able to get help if needed. While backcountry epics are awesome (and you may still choose to tackle these rides solo), it may make more sense to save them for days when you have a riding partner or two along.

In the same vein, ride more conservatively than you normally would. Save high speed descents and technical trails for riding with others. There’s nothing wrong with going slower or walking sections that you would normally ride if you had a partner along.

Use Mantras And Positive Affirmations

If you’ve done everything above and STILL feel scared of biking on your own, it’s time to do some mental work. Use mantras and positive affirmations to build your confidence. Tell yourself: “I am strong and confident on the bike.”

When bikepacking solo, I’ve even written “you are brave” on my arm in Sharpie.

More Stuff You Might Like

• Biking In The Rain: Tips To Keep You Safe and Dry
• Tips For Biking At Night
• Tools To Find Bike Trails Near You

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