Knowing where you want to ride with your child/children can help you understand what is the best kids bike seat option for your family.
Get the right solution for your family so you can SMILE when you ride.
Where you want to ride with your child now and as they grow can influence what is the right kids bike seat or towed solution for your family. To be confident when you ride and have safe and enjoyable experiences together it is best to have a kids bike seat or towed solution that works best for the environments you want to ride in.
In this story we are considering your Kids Seats and Towed Options for riding with a 1 year old in Traffic. For other riding environments see
Biking in Traffic with a 1 year old.
Key Considerations:
On road traffic is a busy environment for riding a bike in. You are sharing the road with motor cars/trucks etc that are bigger and faster than you, therefore your safety is a priority. To improve your safety you need to make sure
- you will be seen.
- your child needs to be securely strapped to the seat and well supported in sitting.
- you have to be alert and have confidence in your own riding ability to ride in traffic before considering riding with your baby or toddler.
- before you ride in traffic you will need to be familiar with the changes to the feel of riding that occurs when carrying your child in a kids bike seat or bike trailer.
When riding in traffic you will be predominantly on roads so riding on a smooth and sealed surface Your rides are likely to be short and intermittent in urban areas, with a lot of starting and stopping. With the exception if you are commuting distance by road. With all of this in mind, lets understand the best solutions for riding in traffic with a 1 year old.
Solutions & Support:
You have three options for riding with your 1 year old in traffic
- Bike Trailers – All bike trailer options are suitable but if it is only urban riding you will be doing we recommend the Recreation Multi-Use Trailer.
- Front Kids Bike Seat – All front bike seat options are suitable so choose your best match.
- Rear Kids Bike Seat – All rear kids bike seat options for 1-6yr olds are suitable so choose your best match.
1. Recreation Multi-Use Trailer
BIKE TRAILERS are suitable for a 1 yr old up to… Single Trailer – 1 child up to 36kg… Double Trailer – 1 or 2 children up to a total of 45kg. Can be used as a Stroller from a young age by adding a baby sling (0-10months)
- This trailer is best suited to riding on smooth surfaces. It is multi-use so you can easily convert it to a stroller/buggy while out and about.
- The trailer is enclosed providing your child/children their own cosy space and helping to protect your child from the surrounding environment and weather. It can be a little more difficult to monitor the comfort and mood of your young child when using as a bike trailer however regular stops can resolve this.
- Your child will be kept safe and secure while seated with a quality harness. You can purchase additional seating support to increase safety and comfort for your baby/toddler. Please see Accessories Support for more information.
- The size and bulk of a trailer can help make sure you are seen and help vehicles provide a wide berth.
- To improve visibility please use the trailer with the supplied flag and the adult rider should consider wearing bright clothing and helmet.
- Towing a bike trailer will make you wider and longer than when riding solo. To be safe it is important that you adjust to these changes. Please read. How does it feel to bike with a Kids Bike Trailer
- To help you be prepared before you ride in traffic please read … Riding Safely with a Kids Bike Trailer.
- The recreation trailer does not have additional storage. If you are using your trailer to commute/as a means of transport and you need to carry additional gear/groceries then you may need to consider this trailer. For more detailed comparison between trailers please see Trailer Comparison.
2. Front Kids Bike Seat
Suitable for 1-3 yrs up to 17kg
- Great interaction with your child positioned between your arms. They feel safe. You can see and understand their comfort and mood and enjoy the view and environment together.
- Very supported in sitting as the seat is slightly reclined. Making it a great option for riding early with your baby/toddler.
- Secure harness system keeping your baby toddler well supported and secure.
- Riding in traffic/urban areas often requires you to get on and off your bike saddle multiple times as you stop at intersections and do errands and activities. This can be more difficult with your child positioned in front of you (in a front kids bike seat) as some of the space in front of your bike saddle that you use during mounting and dismounting is taken up by the seat. Upright riders, larger bikes or bikes with a dropper seat are more suited to using a Front Kids Bike Seat in traffic. Learn more at Riding Safely with a Front Kids Bike Seat
- To help you be prepared before you ride in traffic please read Riding Safely with a Front Kids Bike Seat
- To improve visibility please use the trailer with the supplied flag and the adult rider should consider wearing a bright helmet and clothing.
3. Rear Kids Bike Seat
Bike Carrier and Bike Frame Mount options. Suitable for 1-6years up to 22kg
- Your child feels safe and protected tucked in behind you. As you cannot see your child in a rear seat it can be a little more difficult to know their mood. However you can hear them and communicate with your chiild. Regular stopping can help resolve this which is common in urban environments..
- The seat is designed to support your child in sitting making it a suitable option for riding early with your baby/toddler when they are well balanced in unsupported sitting.
- A secure harness system keeps your baby toddler well supported and secure.
- Riding in traffic/urban areas often requires you to get on and off your bike saddle multiple times when stopping at intersections and stopping to do errands and activities. With your child positioned behind you, you can comfortably carry out these activities. However with an increase in weight at the rear of your bike you will need to adjust to ensure you can balance the bike and make sure the front of the bike does not lift off the ground. Learn more at – How does it feel to ride with a with a Rear Kids Bike Seat
- To help you be prepared before you ride in traffic please read Riding Safely with a Rear Kids Bike Seat
- To improve visibility the adult rider should consider wearing a bright helmet and clothing.
There are factors other than ‘where you ride’ that will influence your decision about which seat or trailer to buy (your best match). Factors such as
- The style of bike you have
- The size of your family – how many children, now and in the future
For more detailed information to support your decision see Riding with a 1 year old
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