Bike trailers - a great accessory for your children

Ride your bike and go shopping? Bring your children? With a bike trailer, of course you can. In the last few years, innovative products have come along to make it easier for you to carry your groceries and cargo. Child trailers are safer and the frames are lightweight and more durable, making a ride for them fun and safe. A great accessory to any urban bike, whether you take your children for a ride to the park or you need to make a quick shopping run without having to turn on the engine of your car.

When looking for a child or baby trailer, think of how you will be using it and where you will be storing it. Safety is, of course, of utmost importance, and standards are in place to make sure all carriers on the market have been extensively tested. The brightness and visibility of a trailer will cause any traffic to notice you well in advance. Your child should wear a helmet (in some states it’s the law), and their neck should be strong enough to hold their head up, usually after a year old.

If you do decide on a trailer, the following specs are worth researching:

The frame and fabric: Usually high-quality aluminium for durability and light weight. For extra support and safety, a roll cage should enclose the trailer. More expensive trailers will have strong, tight fabric, reflective materials, and a flag for extra visibility.

Width: Think about where you will be storing it. If you live in an apartment, or you plan to drive to an area to ride, a trailer that folds is a definite option. If you have one child but plan to have another, you can save money by looking for a trailer which seats two.

Wheels: Larger wheels allow for a smoother ride. Wheels with spokes are generally higher quality than plastic.

Hitch: Make sure the hitch fits on the bike. There are several different types, such as mounting to the seat post, the frame, a bike rack or the axle. Also look for a hitch that allows you to turn your bike to the ground.

Stroller: Many trailers can easily be converted into a stroller. Many will be cumbersome and poorly suited for manoeuvrability, though a Chariot trailer is great as a stroller.

Multiple Uses: Many quality trailers can hold up to 100 pounds, and can easily be used to carry groceries and other cargo.

Excellent and well-tested brands include Burley, Chariot and Yakima.