commuting with a kid

[shoopee]

right now he's 9 months, but I won't riding with him until he's a year. I'm just itching to get a new bike so I'm starting the research now.

[KnottedYet]

When my kiddo was little, I pulled him in a trailer. I liked the trailer because it was large and visible, he could have toys and books and juice in there with him, he was covered, and if I tipped the bike over he would stay relatively safe.

It was *wide* though! And I was riding on pretty easy-going streets.

Here in Seattle I've seen a few folks commuting on the busy downtown streets with little side-car style kid carriers. Very narrow and right next to the parent so you can see each other and the total "vehicle" isn't any longer than a regular bike. Not sure how the coupler works, if the bike tips what happens to the side-car, but they look really ideal for maneuvering through city streets.

This looks like what I've been seeing: http://www.bicycletrailers.com/Chariot-SideCarrier.pro

[Tri Girl]

That's the coolest side car trailer ever!!! I don't have kids and don't plan on having any- but this must might make me want one (ok- not really, but it looks like it'd be really fun to "tow").
Pretty cool!

[Blueberry]

Now I want to rig that for my pup! Though he's way too big - an excuse to rescue a dog??

CA

[MomOnBike]

Speaking as a mother of grown kids, I really like that rig. I've always been concerned with the tow-behind trailers for communication and dust reasons, among others. Kids often look so miserable so far from the parent on the bike.

The advantage of a Burley-type trailer is that drivers have been acclimated to expecting a baby in them, so they might be more careful around them. They're also pretty darn visible.

I'm not a fan of the rear seat idea for balance reasons.

[HillSlugger]

My coworker has a bike seat for his son that mounts to the stem or something so that the seat is up front. It's supposed to keep the child's feet out of the wheels.

[boy in a kilt]

Both of our kids have done time in trailers and both seemed to enjoy it. During colder months, you can thoroughly cover them with blankets and pull down the plastic cover. Screen keep things out and other things in. Drivers tend to be pretty aware of them, although putting blinkies and/or high-vis triangles help.

[Blueberry]

My coworker has a bike seat for his son that mounts to the stem or something so that the seat is up front. It's supposed to keep the child's feet out of the wheels.

Is this what you're talking about: http://longleafbicycles.blogspot.com...perfected.html

Looks pretty cool!

CA