Originally Posted by
fourteen
I would recommend that you always carry a little cash for a bus fare (or taxi if there aren't buses that run in your area). If you get a flat or have a spill or something, depending on conditions it may just be better to get home first and assess/repair the damage later.
It's not strictly necessary, but it's good to have a backup plan. I'm one of those cautious types, so I keep some singles in my repair kit and my change purse in my lunchbox.
I think a cell phone for phone a friend is a much better solution.
You'll be lucky if buses in your area will accept a bike on the bus. (They'll need to have a front bike rack.) Plus, odds of you finding a bike route where you've flatted could be hard if you're not in an urban area.
If you're spotting for a taxi, I sure hope you're carrying more than singles - it's pretty much $5 minimum noawadays the moment you set foot into a cab - and most likely they'll charge you an oversize fee if you attempt to load a bike.