Cycling with Toddlers

[TokenGinger]

DP has just purchased a bike, and I think I'm going to join him. DS is not far off 3. He has a balance bike which he's very happy with. We went on a UK break last year and got bikes for the day, and DS was very upset to be put in a trailer, rather than ride his daddy's very large bike

My question is - those who ride bikes, how do you manage with a toddler?

I don't think DS would enjoy being in a trailer, and the same applies to a seat on the back of the bike. I've been looking at the WeeBuddy which looks great, but I am really worried about him letting go and not understanding that he needs to hold on to be safe. The same thoughts go to a tow bar onto his own bike.

Has anybody found and (safe) contraptions that can secure a child on to a bike, or do we just need to wait until he's a little older and understands he needs to hold off?

We'll be cycling on canal paths so I'm pretty anxious about the risk of falling.

I should add, DS has a speech delay and with that, a delay in understanding, too. It's difficult to explain to him as he struggled to comprehend what we are saying, so telling him to hold on won't really help at this point.

Would a bike seat work? Then he could be on Dad or Mum's big bike but as a passenger. Otherwise I guess you could go for one of the tag-along options but practice in the park, and be prepared to put it away till he's bigger if he can't get the hang of it.

Small people can cycle very slowly so you might be better running (or even walking) while he cycles to begin with.

I'm a bit of a wimp, we just waited until they were riding competently by themselves (twins). Keep up the balance bike, he'll get cycling rapidly off that and then revisit.

We spend a lot of time in France, we'll, pre covid. Cycle lanes everywhere but next to the road. The kids in the trailers look so vulnerable.

Look at recumbent trailer cycles. The WeeBuddy one comes with a three point harness and is suitable from age two.

A bike seat is very different to a trailer as they’re up high, can see properly, talk to you etc. My DD loved her bike seat but we tried a trailer once at a rental place and she hated it.

A bike seat might be the best option by the sounds of it. Thank you for replying.

The WeeBuddy looks fab, too!

That's a good idea to practice in parks with the tag along.

Would a Shotgun seat work kidsrideshotgun.co.uk/

Good luck, and most of all, I hope you all enjoy yourselves.

Or a WeeHoo Igo trailer

Before you buy anything online, go and see if you can find it in shops. DS was too tall/heavy for a bike seat, shotgun and wee ride by the time he was 3.

We did a combo of trailers and a FollowMe tandem attachment. DS was a competent solo cyclist on Sustrans/Forest park type routes at 3.5 though.

I had DD in a seat on the back of my bike (Yepp Maxi) until she was about 4.5, when she was confidently cycling by herself. There’s a really good FB group, Family Cycling UK, which is really worth a look.

[quote Bytrgrewd]Would a Shotgun seat work kidsrideshotgun.co.uk/[/quote]
Oh my gosh! I think this would be the answer. At least then he's tucked safely inside DP's arms!

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads

Before you buy anything online, go and see if you can find it in shops. DS was too tall/heavy for a bike seat, shotgun and wee ride by the time he was 3.

We did a combo of trailers and a FollowMe tandem attachment. DS was a competent solo cyclist on Sustrans/Forest park type routes at 3.5 though.

That's a really good shout actually, he's a whopper, over 100th centile, so anything we do get could be short lived.

Great! And if he’s used to the concept of holding on to handlebars on his balance bike he might be ok 😊

@MotherWol

I had DD in a seat on the back of my bike (Yepp Maxi) until she was about 4.5, when she was confidently cycling by herself. There’s a really good FB group, Family Cycling UK, which is really worth a look.

Ah fantastic, thank you. I'll search it x

Or you could throw tons of money at it and go for this:

ebike-centre.co.uk/e-bikes/e-trikescargo/2022-raleigh-stride-2-electric-cargo-bike-in-blackyellow__3075?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=STR2BIKET&gclid=CjwKCAiAjoeRBhAJEiwAYY3nDGOGTb818lMj7wNIY8suglmfYNvlCMq48qlewl4bl55CfLefZpaG_xoCrBoQAvD_BwE

[quote Iknowitisheresomewhere]Or you could throw tons of money at it and go for this:

ebike-centre.co.uk/e-bikes/e-trikescargo/2022-raleigh-stride-2-electric-cargo-bike-in-blackyellow__3075?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=STR2BIKET&gclid=CjwKCAiAjoeRBhAJEiwAYY3nDGOGTb818lMj7wNIY8suglmfYNvlCMq48qlewl4bl55CfLefZpaG_xoCrBoQAvD_BwE[/quote]
Oh my god 😂😂😂