How to transport kids on bikes

It's a joy for cycling enthusiasts to share their love of the sport with their children from an early age.

To transport kids on bikes you need to take some very important steps for their safety.

There's no shortage of solutions and depending on the age and type of use, you can choose to use baby carriers, classic seats or trailers.

Let's see then which are the best devices for transporting children by bike. Even when it is not yet time for a bike of their own, it's never too early to make them fall in love with this sport.

The baby carrier for transporting children a few months old by bicycle

When children are only a few months old, the best tool to carry them by bike is the baby carrier. The constant contact with the adult makes them feel safe and at the same time they can explore with their curious eyes everything they see around them. Even while pedaling, the cyclist can keep an eye on the baby and stop immediately if necessary.

The baby carrier also has another advantage. The movement of the bike often relaxes children of a few months and it's not uncommon for them to fall asleep during the bike ride. Even in this case, the baby carrier offers the necessary protection and the nap can continue even while pedaling.

Once you have reached your destination, the baby carrier can be folded up and stored with extreme ease, without any encumbrance.

Child seats for bicycles

The bike seat is certainly the most popular solution for transporting children on bikes. There are different types, in fact, everyone can choose the type that they prefer. For children from 8/9 months, it is better to have a front bike seat attachment, because the child has a complete view of the road and the parent can keep it under control.

For slightly older children, a rear seat is required instead and the reasons are different. If you used a front seat with a rather tall child, his feet could reach the wheel and moreover the view of the cyclist would be blocked.

The rear seats are very ergonomic, also have footrests and headrests and can be adjusted to the height of the child. The only negative note is the child's view, who has the adult's body in front of him and can only observe the view on both sides.

The passage of the children from the front seat to the rear seat is always a bit traumatic for the child, who will probably try to protest. However, it is an obligatory choice and dictated by safety reasons, so you just have to hold on and resist the whims.

When to choose a trailer to transport kids on bikes

When planning long bike trips, the bike seat is certainly not enough anymore. As comfortable as it may be, it does not allow your child to completely relax and take a nap. For longer journeys, the bike trailer is the ideal solution.

It is a trolley with two wheels and attached to the bike frame. On the padded seat, the child can travel in comfort and safety, in fact it's also attached to safety belts. All models are equipped with mosquito nets and rain protection, and also have practical storage compartments.

The most advanced bike trolleys can also be used as pushchairs, joggers and even cross-country trailers. These are accessories that cost more than a standard seat, but are really convenient for enjoying a cycling holiday with your children. The only downside could be the size, especially if you take into account that our bike paths aren't very large.

Children on a bicycle: Highway Code

The Highway Code provides for different rules for bicycles and fines for cyclists are anything but rare. Some of these rules apply precisely to the transport of children by bicycle and the absolute priority is always safety.

But what exactly does the law on the transport of children by bike provide? Only children up to the age of 8 can be transported by bike and the use of special devices, such as baby carriers, child seats and trailers, of which we have already spoken, is compulsory.

It must be borne in mind that these devices must be approved, otherwise they couldn't guarantee the safety standards required by law. It's therefore better not to go to the savings and buy only certified and approved products.

The Highway Code also provides that the front seat can only be used up to 15 kg in weight and must be placed between the handlebar and the driver. If kids are over 15kg and up to 8 years of age, they must necessarily switch to a rear seat, attached to the frame or rack of the bike.

The regulations also provide that the seat must not exceed the shape of the bike and must always be equipped with a backrest and armrests. It is also essential to have a system of fastening to the bike that prevents accidental release. The penalty for those who do not comply with the provisions on the transport of children by bicycle starts from € 26 but can reach € 100.

Bikes helmet for children and other safety devices

Helmets are essential for transporting children by bicycle. Safety must always be first and foremost, and this rule is even more important when it comes to children. In this case too, the helmet, as we have seen for other devices, must be homologated, suitable for their age and adjustable with the appropriate strap.

Since the city streets are often full of holes and depressions, you can also consider buying a pillow that protects the neck of the child from various stresses. The torticollise-proof pillow is even more useful if the child has the habit of falling asleep during cycling.

When you use the right accessories and follow these little tricks, cycling with children becomes a real pleasure. There's no better way to convey the passion for cycling and outdoor life to children.