Help with a cycling problem please.

[mymatemax]

DS1(7) has been asking for ages if we can cycle to school, I could do with the exercise so now that the sun is shinning I don't mind, the problem is how I can include ds2.
He is a large 4 year old & just too big & heavy for a bike seat. He loves his bike but can't pedal or control it properly so needs to be with me in some way.
I have seen the BuddyBike (www.buddybike.com) tandem for special needs which looks perfect but is just too expensive. Does anyone know of a cheaper alternative/similar option.
Any ideas greatly received.

No idea about price but have you considered a trailer like the ones at CenterParcs? There's a mum at our school who brings her 4 yr old that way while older daughter cycles.

Hi mymatemax
I have just been on Bikes 2U direct, they have some good ideas. Go down to Accessories.

trailer might be a good way to do it. One of my neighbours takes her 7 yr old to and from school in their 2 child trailer sometimes. He seems to love it, relaxing while mum does all the work. If the 3 yr old is with them the 7yr old rides his own bike and little bro has the trailer.

Our CTS chariot is surposed to be good up to about 6 yrs old. a double child one would be a litle bigger.

Expect a cheap (new) trailer to cost 125 upwards and weigh about 10kg +. 2nd hand you may be able to get lighter and/or cheaper. Ours was 2nd hand for 90 and weighs 8kg and can be a pushchair away from the bike.

thanks all,
What I am really after is something that he can be involved in, the cycling would be good exercise for him as he is difficult to motivate to do anything & would prefer sit all day but he seems to love his bike, he can't walk very far at all so the cycling may help.
I have got my friends trailer at the moment on trial & have been trying to coax him in to it to give it a go if all else fails.
I'll have a look at the website as well.

Thanks again

would a tag a long trike be worth trying?
www.bikecare.co.uk/special_needs.html
have some pictures, they are not cheap tho!

As he already has a bike you could consider using a trail gator bar with it.
www.bikecare.co.uk/trail_gator.html
I've not seen one used with a trike , but it might be possible .

Thanks UniSarah, thats a great website - my only concern with him behind me is that he will either forget he needs to hold on or he'll just fall asleep!
I'll get dh to have a look, perhaps he can strap him on to the backrest seat thingy!
Thats what I like about the buddybike he would sit infront so I can poke him if he lets go but at over £1,000. its just too expensive.
Maybe i need a good welder to make me one/

we just got one of those trailors of ebay we got it for £45 including postage

cgi.ebay.co.uk/66507-Bicycle-Bike-Trailer-Jogger-Combo-2-in-1-Seats2_W0QQitemZ280103050464QQihZ018QQcategoryZ98932QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

hope that link works

Thanks bubble, the link worked! They look good.
Are all parents in Germany fit

They seem to be! my german neighbour has been seen towing her bike trailer UP our very steep hill with her 7 yr old in AND the 3yr old on a kiddy seat. I find it hard work with my 1 yr old only.