I’m an all-weather New York City bike commuter who rarely takes the subway and even more rarely gets into an automobile. I’ve driven a car about a dozen times over the past 20 years (the number of years I’ve lived in New York). I go everywhere on two wheels and can carry almost anything on my bike. I’m not the only one. New York City is filled with ingenious bike commuters, messengers, and bike delivery people who transport all sorts of cargo on all kinds of bicycles.

If you want to leave your car at home more often (or live somewhere you could get rid of it altogether) and expand your two-wheeled life to include running errands and transporting the things you need, you'll want to check out some of the following bike racks and accessories. With the right equipment (and mindset), you’ll soon know how to carry almost anything on your bike.

If you need help installing a rack or other bike-mounted accessory or have questions about what will and will not work with your bike, visit your local bike shop – if you’re lucky enough to have one. A good bike shop and regular bike mechanic are wonderful things to have. I live in Harlem but always go to a shop in Crown Heights, Brooklyn (a 13-mile one-way trip) because I get great service there, from the knowledgeable bike mechanics at Bicycle Roots who know my bikes (and me) well. 

A variety of racks and baskets exist, both front and rear-mounted. Rear racks provide a place to attach side panniers and top bags, as well as a platform on which you can lash a box, crate, or another kind of package with bungee cords.

This platform is how you can carry an assortment of things on your bike. Many people rig a plastic crate with zip ties to their back rack and fill it with what they need to tote from the farmer’s market, grocery store, or wherever. If you want a step up from a plastic crate, the metal wire Topeak MTX Rear bicycle basket affixes directly to a rack.

Once filled, use a Delta Expandable Net Holder stretched over the to keep everything in place.

The Blackburn Outpost touring rack, made from lightweight aluminum, comes in a front or rear mount model.

These racks are designed to attach to the quick-release axle and brake calipers if your bike is not equipped with braze-ons (pre-drilled and threaded mounting points on the frame and fork).  In order for the quick release mounting option to work, you may need to purchase a longer quick-release skewer. The Outpost can also be mounted using the existing braze-ons on your bike.

A front basket option is the Topeak Front Handlebar Basket, which comes with a quick-release mount for easy removal. The basket also has a carrying handle so you can tote it with you while shopping.

Wald manufactures a range of different sized baskets including foldable back baskets that mount on the sides of a rear rack so you can outfit both the front and back of your bike with matching baskets.

If you own a road bike (carbon or otherwise) without any mounts whatsoever and want to invest in an ingenious and super lightweight rack option, check out Tailfin Cycling in the U.K.

I own their X-series carbon pannier rack and it, with their panniers, has changed my life (I do not say that lightly). The rack mounts to the bike’s rear axle – which you purchase from them - and clamps to your seat post. You can take it on and off quickly with just a click of a button. Their bags are also extremely lightweight and waterproof. I currently have mine on my custom titanium Dean Trans Alp with thru-axles and disc brakes and use it for commuting.

I vacillate back and forth between carrying things directly on my bike frame and using a backpack. In New York City, food delivery workers strap on large rectangle-shaped backpacks, some of which are even thermal lined to keep the food warm (or cold). 

In general. heavier objects are usually best transported on a bike rack though I’ve been known to carry a sewing machine in my Osprey backpack. If you’re going to have a lot of weight on your back, I’ve found that a backpack with padding definitely helps comfort-wise – as does using a bike that requires a more bent-over riding position because then the weight of your pack is not just tugging downward on your shoulders but is instead distributed across your back. The Osprey pack I use is an old version of the Comet backpack.

Chrome Industries makes excellent roomy backpacks like the Volcan and the Vigil, both of which can accommodate a plethora of items. The Vigil has multiple reflective daisy chain loop attachments on the outside while the Volcan has a more streamlined, smooth appearance. Both have padded laptop sleeves. Cara Tablante, a baker in Crown Heights who frequents the same bike shop I do, has even delivered plants with her Vigil.

You can also transport your child by bike. The Thule RideAlong Child Carrier has a quick release that attaches to the seat post of your bike while the Schwinn Deluxe Child Carrier mounts to the back wheel frame and the seat post. Both allow you to transport a small human up to 40 pounds.

I’ve seen people riding around New York City with their dog or dogs in a bike trailer like the Schwinn Echo (which works for kids too).

And one bike mechanic I know brings his dog to work every day on his back. He uses a Ruffit dog carrier which is currently difficult to find but very similar to the K9 Sport Sack.

There’s also the full cargo bike option if you want to go all-in with the two-wheel lifestyle. Yuba Bikes makes a range of models for all your family adventure and transportation needs. Brooklyn -based artist Taliah Lampert uses her cargo to transport her artwork to galleries and shops around the city.

Whatever you need to carry, you can probably carry on your bike. Granted, sometimes you may have to get a little creative. Having a few bungee cords around to secure your cargo is always helpful.

When packing large loads, remember to try and distribute the weight on your bike as evenly as you can though you’ll be surprised at how easily your body will adapt to one side being heavier than the other. In my experience, it's only when stopping that you might have to concentrate a little harder to keep upright. Just like so many things in life.

Have I mentioned that bikes are awesome?