Tell someone your plan
- Share the route, the places where you will stop and the time that you expect to arrive.
- Agree on a check-in time, and what the person should do if you do not call.
- If the plan changes, tell them.
Be reachable
- Charge your phone, carry a power bank and a cable, and keep the phone secure on the bike.
- Download offline maps, because there may be no signal in some places.
- Save the local emergency number and your roadside assistance number.
Carry the essentials
- A small first-aid kit, water and some food.
- A tyre repair kit, a compressor or CO₂ cartridges, and basic tools.
- A reflective vest and a torch or headlamp.
- Your documents, and a note with your emergency contact and any medical information that responders should know.
Ride within your limits
- There is nobody to cover for a mistake, so leave a larger safety margin than you would in a group.
- Take breaks, stop before you are tired, and avoid riding at night in unfamiliar areas if you can.
- Trust your instincts. If a place or a situation feels wrong, leave.
If something goes wrong
Get yourself and the bike out of traffic, turn on the hazard lights and call for help. If anyone is hurt, call the local emergency number first. See our guide to breakdowns for a step-by-step checklist.
This guide is general. Plan around the conditions and your experience, and call the local emergency number if you need help.