The bicycle is one of the most ecological and healthy means of transport that we have at our disposal and it is an activity that can involve the whole family, including children. However, when it comes to transporting children on the bicycle who still can't pedal on their own, one of the fundamental things to do is to ensure their safety and comfort. 

Accessories such as trailers, child seats, and towing bicycles are essential and need to be chosen correctly, in order to also allow the little ones to experience a fun and sustainable way of traveling. 

In this article we will together explore the necessary accessories for transporting children by bicycle and through the infographic you can find down below, we will provide you with a practical guide to help you choose the right solution based on the age of your children.

Trailer for children

Children's trailers are an excellent option for families who wish to transport more than one child, or who want to have extra space to load items or supplies. These trailers attach to the rear of the bicycle and provide a comfortable and safe place for the little one. They are equipped with safety belts, windows for good visibility, and space for toys and snacks to bring with you on the journey.  

The choice of the trailer is suitable for small children, from a few months of age, until they reach 25 kg in weight. This mode of transport, however, has a larger size than a simple child seat and is not ideal for dealing with uneven terrain or very narrow trails. If your child's age requires this type of transport, we advise you to inform yourself in advance about the type of route you will be facing, to ensure that this is the most appropriate solution for you.

Rear child seat

Child seats are one of the most common and convenient ways to transport the little ones by bicycle. They are designed to be mounted on the rear of the bicycle and are suitable for children from 9 months of age, who are able to support their heads on their own. These child seats are equipped with safety belts, adjustable footrests and often a small backrest to guarantee maximum comfort and safety for the child.

If your child tends to fall asleep during the bike stages, we suggest placing a pillow between the adult who pedals and the child. In this way, the child will be able to lean on the pillow, assuming a more comfortable position and avoiding falling sideways, which could unbalance the bicycle driver.

Towing bicycle for children

Towing bicycles are the ideal solution for older children who can actively participate in pedaling, but have not yet acquired full command of the bike, or can't cover long distances due to the size of their own bicycle.

All these accessories are connected to your bicycle and allow your child to pedal along with you, without having to balance or drive independently. These solutions are suitable for children aged between approximately 4 and 9 years, depending on their skills. Let's take a look at these options one by one.

Tag-Along

A Tag-along is an additional bike, without a front wheel, connected to the adult's bike. This accessory is ideal for children between 4 and 6 years of age who are learning how to ride a bike and want to actively participate in pedaling. The Tag-along gives them the opportunity to pedal when they want and let them be carried when they are tired, always remaining securely connected to your bicycle. 

This is an excellent solution to improve your child’s cycling skills, making the experience even more fun and stimulating the team spirit.

Follow me Tandem

The Follow-me Tandem is another interesting option for transporting children by bicycle. It's an additional frame that connects to the rear of your bicycle, allowing the child to ride and to be towed securely. 

This solution is suitable for children, generally between the ages of 5 and 8, who already know how to ride a bicycle but may have difficulty tackling an entire stage of a tour, or have not yet gained the necessary confidence to master the bike in every situation. The follow me tandem allows them to pedal independently when they wish to, or when the route allows it, with the benefit of being able to be hooked to the adult's bike when they need to be guided or supervised.

Trail Gator

The Trail Gator is a smart accessory that quickly transforms your child’s bike into an extension of your own. Through this kind of arm, you can securely connect your child's bike to yours and easily remove it when your little cyclist wants to ride alone. It's a versatile option that offers the best of both modes, between riding together or independently.

The choice of the Trail Gator is ideal for children who are already accustomed to pedaling on their own but might need help, for example, on a steeper climb or a stretch in the traffic. The use is permitted until the child's weight reaches 32 kg.

Tips for safety during children's bicycle transport

Apart from choosing the right accessories, it is important to remember some important rules to ensure absolute safety for your children during family pedal rides. Here are some tips:

• Always wear your helmet and make sure your children wear theirs, whether they are pedaling independently or are being carried.

• Check the bike before leaving: make sure that everyone's bikes are in good condition, with functioning brakes and adequately inflated tires.

• Respect local rules: get information about the safety regulations of the places you will be riding and make sure you and your children respect them.

• Teach your children the rules of the road: explain to them the rules of the road, how to behave at intersections, when to give way, which position to take on the road, etc.

• Wear suitable clothing: ensure that you are wearing comfortable and visible clothing, especially if you are pedaling in conditions of poor visibility.

• Constantly supervise your children: never let them out of sight during the ride, also ensure that they are sitting correctly in their child seat or in the trailer.

• Take frequent breaks: during long trips, this will allow your children to move and relax.

A family bike holiday can be an incredibly rewarding experience even when children are still too small to pedal on their own. Just remember that safety comes first and make the right choices to start with serenity. 

Before you leave for your next family bike trip, make sure to follow our tips on choosing the most suitable accessory for transporting your children and remember that you can always take advantage of our free consulting service, by booking a 30-minute call directly from this link.

Little and big Cyclanders, are you all ready to leave?