What is the best way to transport children by bicycle?

Many families are ditching their cars and turning to bicycles to get around. There are huge advantages to this, even if you only do so for some journeys while keeping a car for others.

One issue that can puzzle parents, however, is, “What is the safest way to transport children on a bike?” Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Let’s look at some of the options:

In a box out front

Boxed cargo bikes are rising in popularity. You can use them to transport considerable quantities of shopping or materials, as well as kids. Many parents like them because they can see the kids the whole time, as they are right there in front of them. Another reason people like them is their bulk. The width of the cargo box makes it harder for a driver to miss you. They can be unwieldy and prone to tipping, however.

Behind you in a child seat

Buying a child seat to carry your child behind you on your current bicycle is the cheapest option.  You retain many of the advantages of a bicycle, too. You are more streamlined than a cargo bike, cutting down the wind resistance and allowing you to slip through gaps or pass between bollards. They also take up less storage space at home and are easily leaned against a wall or fence to park and lock up. 

The downside is that the child is higher up, so a restless child could affect your balance. It is also further for them to fall if you do crash.

Behind you in a trailer

Many parents do not like the idea of having their child way out back in a trailer. Firstly, they cannot see their child. Secondly, the child is low to the ground, so drivers may miss them. Picking one in a bright color and adding tall flags and lights can help here.

The big advantage is that the child is cocooned inside the trailer and less exposed to the elements. There is also space for them to have food or toys to occupy them. It’s streamlined, but the length can make then unwieldy at times.

A recent German study recommended trailers as the safest option. The child’s head is unlikely to hit the ground, as, unlike a cargo box, where their head is above the parapet, the trailer encloses them fully.  Any fall distance would also be minimal compared to being perched high up on the back of your bicycle. The study recommended that regardless of your choice, the kids should be strapped in and wearing a helmet.

It’s important to remember that no mode of transporting your children can guarantee safety. Even if you drive them around in a car, there is always a chance that another driver will cause a crash that injures you. If that happens, it is wisest to seek experienced legal guidance right away.