Bikes Trailers

Introduction

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.

Benefits

Economic & Lifestyle Opportunities 

"Some possibilities...

Problems

A trailer can increase your overall weight, and may become unwieldy or even dangerous when going around corners or braking. Always make sure you can safely stop and start before going on the road or uneven terrain.

Resources

DIY Trailer Instructions

We have not tried to build all of these trailers ourselves, so use common sense and do adequate research before trying a project yourself. Always use protective gear and try to work with a knowledgeable person if you haven't done this type of work before yourself.

Safety

Safety first! Generally speaking, bikes and their relatives are safer than traveling by vehicle, as speeds are slower, and weights are lower. However all that goes away when riding with or through traffic. This section focuses on some basics of safety.

Helmets On!

Helmets save lives! Even if you think you are a "good rider", that doesn't protect you from dangerous drivers who don't follow road laws or unexpected situations such as icy roads.

If you feel uncomfortable about buying plastic products, consider supporting ocean cleanups buy buying helmets made from ocean-harvested plastic.

Learn Your Region's Hand Signals!

Hand signals vary from country to country, so make sure you know your local signals, and learn foreign safety signs or signals any time you expect to cycle abroad.

Bright At Night

Lights and reflective equipment can boost your visibility, but wearing bright, visible clothing can also help. Always try to avoid wearing black or other dark clothes if you think you'll be cycling near or after dark.

Studies have found riders massively over-estimate how visible they are by many yards or meters, while vehicles only tend to notice riders when they are a few feet away from the head lights.

Kids in 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).

Solution: Try to ride on low-traffic roads, or better yet, away from roadways; for example along bike trails and in greenways or greenbelts. Traveling with the hood down and secure may also help protect children's lungs.

Organizations

International

North America

Canada

Companies

Europe

UK