Carrying kids on push bikes

peachy · #1 (**permalink**) 29-05-2009, 10:53

I want to carry my 18 month old son around on the back of my bike and am torn between a seat over the back wheel and one of these kid trailers they sit in. The trailer offers more space and stability and maybe I could fit some shopping in there too but the seat otherwise seems safer to me.

I would be riding around Uster which has lots of bike lanes.

What are your thoughts on what to get?

Trailer:

Seat:

BigD · #2 (**permalink**) 29-05-2009, 11:02

Here's a load of info re the different option. Instinct tell me trailer, although I have seen them pulled really irresponsibly (for example crossing a major road the bike makes it onto the traffic island, but the trailer doesn't).

BigD

swissflygirl · #3 (**permalink**) 29-05-2009, 11:09

My instinct would say the seat on the back of the bike, as the trailer is an additional length and object to the bike. I've been assured the trailers can't tip over if properly attached to the bike but I feel the seat is somehow safer.

lesley · #4 (**permalink**) 29-05-2009, 11:11

Depends on your child's personality. If he would be happy to be able to see Dad but not beat his back with his pointy fingers, go for the trailer. If on the other hand he needs to be in close proximity.......................
For me, the trailer would be the better bet, especially in inclement weather.

Enikoy · #5 (**permalink**) 29-05-2009, 13:18

We bought a trailer for our newbie. If the kid is strapped in properly to a decent trailer it works like roll-cage. In the bike seat the kid hits the ground in a fall.

We did buy an expensive one though, with suspension. It also converts to a push pram or jogging pram, so the cost is spread over a few functions.

Chariot Carriers: Bike Trailers, Jogging Strollers and more, for bicycle riders and joggers

Grum · #6 (**permalink**) 31-05-2009, 14:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigD

Here's a load of info re the different option. Instinct tell me trailer, although I have seen them pulled really irresponsibly (for example crossing a major road the bike makes it onto the traffic island, but the trailer doesn't).

I don't know how others feel, but as a driver the sight of a kiddie trailer automatically puts me in safety first mode. They are a lot more visible to other road users. I can't offhand remember seeing one in the dark, but instinct somehow tells me a child seat might be safer then.

peachy · #7 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 08:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grum

I don't know how others feel, but as a driver the sight of a kiddie trailer automatically puts me in safety first mode. They are a lot more visible to other road users. I can't offhand remember seeing one in the dark, but instinct somehow tells me a child seat might be safer then.

Actually that's a very good point Grum, when I see a trailer I immediately think "vulnerable child" and exercise extra caution.