Five Ways to Put a Smile on a Cyclist's Face

With cycling rates increasing across America, it's probably a safe bet that you know and care for a bicyclist who would be ecstatic to receive one of Fast Company's "safe, stylish, and fun" gift ideas this holiday season.

1 minute read

December 12, 2012, 9:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Morgan Clendaniel plays Santa's little helper with recommendations for five gifts to make biking more safe, stylish, and fun. He spotlights a threatening looking bike light that's unlikely to be stolen, a glowing belt to increase visibility, a bike for children that expands as they grow, and a bell that looks and sounds nothing like a bell.  

Finally for those who have yet to purchase their very own ride, Clendaniel suggests, "signing up with Liquid, a company that lets you do peer-to-peer bike sharing in cities across America. If you want to try out biking, this is a good place to start. If you’re a tourist in a new city, you’ll get a much nicer and classier bike than you would find at your standard bike rental outfit. And if you have a bike that often sits idle, it’s a good way to make enough cash to afford, say, a glowing bike belt. You can sign up here."

Tuesday, December 11, 2012 in Fast Company Co.Exist

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Albuquerque, New Mexico at sunset.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico

An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

May 16 - Source NM

Close-up on white bike helmet lying on pavement with blurred red bike on its side in background abd black car visible behind it.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes

Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

May 16 - Wood TV 8

Muni bus on red painted bus-only lane in downtown San Francisco, California.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels

Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.

May 16 - Mass Transit