Bakfiets

Introduction

A bicycle or tricycle with a long wheelbase between the front wheel and handlebars holding a large box, originally used solely to transport goods but now also commonly for carrying young children.

10:44 minute video gives a personal account of transporting kids with a car vs a bakfiets, including the benefit of improved stimulation provided by riding in the open, vs being stuck looking at a car's boring head rest.

Similar Options

Trikes

Trikes are often seen as training-devices to help kids learn to ride bikes, but they can be appropriate alternatives for kids or adults with physical disabilities, inner-ear problems or neurological issues such as seizures. They can safely transport groceries, backpacks, pets, or even children on the rear basket or foot bar.

Velomobile

An enclosed velomobile has an efficiency of about 12.35 km/MJ. They can be entirely person-powered, or battery assisted. They may be better for some people's backs than a traditional bike or cargo bike, while providing a sturdy foundation for carrying children, shopping, pets, and more. These are similar to recumbent bikes, but come with storage space and often an outer casing to protect riders from wind or rain.

Bikes

Bikes come in all sizes, and an adult bike can be fitted with specialized baby seats that attach to the front or back of the bike. As kids get bigger, you can switch them to a baby trailer or a trailer bike. A trailer bike is similar to a normal bike, but instead of a front wheel and handlebars, it has a rigid section that attaches to the seat post of a bigger bike. These are a fun, safe way for kids to get used to pedaling without learning to balance. 

Safety Tips

Babies & Toddlers on Bikes

Bike Trailers

Pro: These are a great way to bring young kids along on a ride, even if they are too heavy for a seat attached to the bike itself. Kids get a great view of their neighborhood, and the seat is low enough that (once old enough) they can climb in themselves. The cover can protect children, pets, shopping, tools, or other cargo from rain and other unpleasant elements. The cover can also reduce road pollution reaching the child.

Con: Children closer to the road can end up breathing more pollutants than parents or kids higher on the bike (scientists were surprised to learn that kids in cars are also exposed to road pollution while waiting in traffic).

Pedicabs, Bicycle Sidecars, & Wheelchair Tandem Bikes

These are great options for a competent cyclist to transport children, elderly people, people with limited mobility, or those who otherwise might not be able to enjoy cycling.

Bicycle Sidecar

5:35 minute video shows the construction process for a bicycle side car, including cutting , welding, spray painting, adding a padded seat and safety buckle.

DUET Wheelchair Bicycle Tandem

5:38 minute video starts with the user being harnessed in, then shows how easily care givers can use this type of devise while also being able to reach forward and give care.

Safe & Comfortable Travel

Eco-friendly traveling can require us to consider things we might not have worried about before. Letting kids travel to school on their own can be scary for us adults, but sometimes our fears aren't reflected by the data. For example some people worry about their kids being safe from strangers when out on their bikes, but studies found that girls with bikes were safer than girls without access to bikes, because they could move more freely and faster than children on foot.

Similarly people assume cars keep their kids safe, but the data shows most travel-related deaths being linked to drivers of cars.

 Whether you walk or ride with your kid, or let them travel alone, children will be safer if you:

General Tips for Stress-Free Travel

Resources

Community 

(Level 3 Activism)

School Zones

Family & Friends

(Level 2 Activism)

Organizations

For bike-specific organizations, click the Bike Advocacy Groups button to learn which organizations are working in your area, or explore the International section for resource on how to start your own group.

International

North America

USA

New York

The Transportation Renaissance in NYC is being Led by THIS Group

23:24 minute video "Discover the transformative infrastructure changes that TA has advocated for over the years- like the iconic Prospect Park West protected bike lane, the game-changing Queens Boulevard redesign, and the ever-expanding network of Citi Bike stations."

Maps

North America

USA

Washington

Further Reading

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