You come out of the shop, load the bags onto the bike, and notice that the back tyre has gone flat. It is an annoying moment, especially with a full basket and a list of things still to do. Yet a puncture is rarely a disaster. With a little calm and a plan, you can get yourself and your shopping home without too much fuss.
The first thing to do is to stop and think. Move the bike out of the way, onto the pavement, and take a moment to see what has happened. Take the shopping off the bike, and decide what to do next before you start walking.
Sorting out the shopping
If you have bags on the bike, you can carry them by hand for a short distance or put them in a rucksack. If the load is heavy, ask a shop assistant whether you can leave part of it for an hour, and come back for it later. Next, decide how to get home. If it is a short distance, walking with the bike is often the simplest option. Push it gently on the pavement, and take it slowly, since a flat wheel is awkward to steer. For a longer way, consider taking the bus, or calling a friend or a neighbour. You can leave the bike locked outside a shop or at a bike stand and fetch it later.
Later, at home, look at the tyre calmly. You can mend it yourself if you know how, or take the bike to a repair shop. Many people keep a small repair kit and a pump in their bag, and if you have them, you may fix the problem on the spot. What matters is that you keep your composure and think of the practical steps.
Afterwards, it is a good idea to think about how you might prepare for the next time. A small pump and a repair kit take up almost no space, and a spare bag can be handy for redistributing the load. Most importantly, keep a sense of humour. A puncture is an ordinary part of cycling, and knowing that you can handle it makes every future trip more relaxed.
