Carrying Kids in Bike Seats or Trailers

Young children can be taken on family bicycle rides using a pull-along trailer or a bicycle-mounted child seat. But remember, even babies need to wear properly fit bicycle helmets for protection in case of an accident.

You should consider a number of issues when deciding whether to use a bicycle-mounted child seat or a trailer.

Bicycle-Mounted Child Seats
Keep these issues in mind when considering whether to use a clamp-on child passenger seat:

Neck strength. These seats are generally used for children ages 1 to 3. Children sitting in these seats need adequate neck strength to support their heads. That doesn't usually develop until around 12 months.

Stability and stopping. Child seats tend to give the bicycle a higher center of gravity, making it more difficult for the adult to stabilize the bike.

There are two types of child seats: front-mounted and rear-mounted. Adults using rear-mounted seats generally have more problems stopping the bike and getting themselves and the child on and off the bike.

Some people prefer to use front-mounted child seats because it is easier to stabilize the bike while loading and unloading. It's also easier to keep a close eye on your child with a front-mounted seat. However, if an adult falls forward in a crash, he would be more likely to fall onto the child. Front-mounted seats also may pose clearance problems, making pedaling a bit difficult.

When using a child seat, don't let your child play with toys that could fall between the spokes and cause an accident. In the event of a spill, a child in a passenger seat is likely to get hurt.

Child Trailers
Trailers generally can be used for children ages 1 to 4, and some can carry more than one child. A rear-view mirror can easily be added to the bicycle handle bars, making it easy to keep an eye on the child. Trailers don't impact bike stability as much as child seats.

Child trailers are usually made with very bright fabrics so that motorists can easily see them. Of course, they are wider than a bike, making it more difficult to ride on narrow trails or through narrow gate openings.

One advantage is that children in trailers can play with toys, be wrapped in a blanket, or have snacks, which probably will keep them more content. Children can be protected from the weather and can even nap fairly comfortably, making the trailer a good choice for long rides. A disadvantage is that the trailers are low, restricting the child's view.

Biking With Backpacks
In a word — don't! Carrying a child in a backpack while riding a bike is very dangerous.

Backpacks tend to create a very high center of gravity, causing a lot of instability. If an adult were to fall, the backpack provides no protection for the child and the risk of injury is high.

Riding With Older Kids
For parents who are active cyclists, the thought of a family ride with a 5-year-old may not sound like much fun. By this age, the child probably is too big for a passenger seat or a trailer.

One riding option is a tandem, a bicycle for two people. A child-stoker kit can be added behind the front seat so that a child can pedal along with a parent. This puts a parent in the perfect position to teach safe cycling techniques by example.

Another option is a trailer cycle, a trailer with pedals for the child. The center of gravity and the total weight are much lower with a trailer cycle than with a stoker kit on a tandem.

To find out more about what will work best for you and your child, talk with the staff at a bicycle shop you trust.

By Shannon Dalsanders
Group Health staff writer

TOP OF PAGE