Bike trailers?

[pookamoo]

DH would like to get a Peapod to use as a trailer on off road tracks (family trails, we're not talking singletrack mtb here! ). We have two DDs, aged 1 and 3.10 (but she is tiny - about the size of a 2 year old, really)

The appeal is it can also be used as a buggy / pushchair for one or two children and have space for a bag behind.

Has anyone used one? What do you think? I know there are a lot of Giant fans on here. DH's bike is a Giant, and he would be towing, probably DD2 while DD1 is on her balance bike.

What are the safety stats like for children in bike trailers? Anyone know? I shudder to think of one in an RTA.... , yet you always see people out in town with them.

I don't know about the Peapod but we used a Burley trailer to take kids everywhere, not just locally but bike touring around the world on road and trail and all sorts. These kinds of convertible trailers are a brilliant way to get out and about. As regards safety I don't know of any stats but personally think the most important thing is route choice and your skills as a cyclist in traffic. I think kids are more protected in a trailer (especially one with a roll bar) than they are on a bike seat in the event of an accident. I always tried to avoid riding in traffic where possible and did some Bikeability training that a real confidence booster to handling the traffic when there was no other option.

I'm also looking for a bike trailer. We were thinking of a Croozer for 2 but need to check if I can fit it in the back of my car (have towbar for bikes). Peapod looks a bit cheaper though. Any other trailers you've considered?