Understand how riding with a Kids Bike Trailer will feel so you can get going and create plenty of happy family biking memories.
People all over New Zealand and the world choose to take their babies, toddlers and kids in a kids bike / multi-use trailer. it is worth making the time to learn how you can ride bikes with your kids because of what you and your family can gain from biking together. It is good to be aware that when you add a baby/toddler/kid to your bike in a kids bike trailer your riding with need to adjust. It will feel slightly different than when you ride solo. Understanding the changes can help you have the confidence to get started and make riding with your child easy and safe right from the beginning. It can also help you understand whether a bike trailer is the right solution for you.
You learnt to ride a bike so we are confident that, with a little practise, you will be able to adjust your riding so that you feel safe and confident riding with your baby/toddler/kid in a kids bike trailer..
Changes in feel when riding with a Kids Bike Trailer
1. Adds bulk & length to your bike
Adding a Kids Bike Trailer to your bike is going to make you wider and longer when compared to riding solo
2. Adds weight to your bike
A Bike Trailer is going to add weight at the rear of your bike as you have to tow the trailer.
Changes in riding with a Kids Bike Trailer
As a bike trailer is not attached to your bike but is a low and stable tow behind your bike there is little change to the actual riding of your bike. You can mount/ dismount/ start/ stop and move around the bike just as when you are riding solo. Lets understand more about the changes and how your riding will need to adjust.
Adding bulk and length
- With your trailer positioned away from the bike (towed behind the bike) it does not change your riding due to taking up space around you (like with a kids bike seat) . However a trailer is wider than your bike so you will need to be aware of this when steering, going around corners and keeping to a path (is the path wide enough?). You will just need to ride slower and be more considered and with a little practise you will adjust.
- Adding a trailer makes your bike significantly longer as well, so again you need to consider this when passing things, crossing traffic or going around corners. You will need more distance or time to safely complete these tasks than you would with just the length of your own bike.
Added Weight
- With towing your child the weight is behind you and you will most likely feel a drag from the trailer. It may be more difficult to ride some terrain. The weight is going to be more noticeable when going up inclines/hills. That weight can also give a feel of being slightly pushed or shunted on a decline/downhill. It is a good idea to choose an easier gear to set off in and you will need to brake earlier to come to a stop or use your brakes more for any downhill riding.
The more riding you do the quicker you will adjust to the new feel of biking with a Kids Bike Trailer. It will initially feel a little different but you will quickly adjust.
To compare how other Bike Seats or Towing Options will feel…see these stories…
We’re here to help. If you have any questions please call us on 021 025 15576 or 0800 44 33 77 or CONTACT us via email
Enjoy the family time and memories that you will create riding with a baby/toddler. goRide, supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride.
Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.
Stories and Support
Bike Trailer – Stories and Support – All of goRides support on one easy to navigate page
Buying Guide
Bike Trailer for Kids Buying Guide – What is the best Bike Trailer for Kids for you? Get the trailer that will best meet you families biking needs
FAQ - Bike Trailer for Kids
All your questions answered on Bike Trailers for Kids
Using your Bike Trailer as a Stroller and Jogger
Multi-Use Bike Trailers offer you options to use your trailer for different recreation purposes. Does one piece of equipment that can be used for multiple recreational activities sound like a good solution for your family.
Riding Safely with a Bike Trailer for Kids
Having a front kids bike seat attached to your bike is different than riding solo…learn more
Features of a Thule Bike Trailer
You want to ride with your child attached but what solution is right for you – front or rear …learn more
Towing-What are your options?
Towing Kids – Understand your options for towing kids on your bike.
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