Bike Trailer Safety

Stay in marked bicycle zones for maximum trailer safety.

Bicycle trailers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small one-wheeled trailers designed to carry extra gear to large two-wheeled trailers designed to carry two small children and child care items. Bike trailer safety is easily applied to any trailer regardless of size or cargo, but safety becomes paramount when pulling children in a trailer. Child trailers have a set of specific rules above and beyond those designed to haul gear.

Trailer Attachment

Trailers attach to bicycles in several ways. Some attach by the quick release of the rear wheel, some are bolted only to a solid axle rear wheel, and some use proprietary clamps to attach to the rear of the bicycle frame. Correct attachment is accomplished by following the manufacturer's directions exactly, but taking the trailer and bicycle to a local bike shop to ensure proper attachment is a sound idea.

Trailer Visibility

Trailers are low to the ground and difficult for motorists and other cyclists to see. Always mount rear reflectors to a bike trailer. Adding blinking taillights designed for bicycles raises visibility even more. Most trailers come with a bright orange safety flag attached to a fiberglass mounting rod. This safety flag should always be used in tandem with reflectors and lights to increase visibility. If the trailer in question does not have a safety flag, you can find one at any local bicycle shop.

Trailer Familiarity

Trailers are usually slightly awkward until a rider grows accustomed to pulling one behind his bicycle. Trailer dry runs with an empty trailer attached to the bicycle are an excellent way to learn the trailer footprint without potentially damaging goods and/or children. Trailer familiarity is best gained by dry-run rides of more than 10 miles each to ascertain the feel of the trailer behind the bike.

Stopping and Parking with a Trailer

Stopping and parking can be tricky when towing a trailer. Prepare to stop far earlier than expected with a full load. Full stops and dismounts must happen slowly and carefully so as not to upset the trailer. Kickstands are recommended to park a bicycle with a trailer. If the bicycle is a style not able to accept a kickstand--such as most full suspension bicycles--lean the bike against an available vertical surface on flat ground and lock the trailer wheel brakes, if available, to prevent roll away.

Child Trailer Safety

Bicycle lanes are dedicated lanes for bike use on the side of an existing roadway.

Child trailer safety is extremely important. According to Steph Peters' translation of a German article on trailer safety, bicycle child trailers are a safer way to transport children than bicycle-mounted child seats. Though a child is in an enclosed trailer, accidents can happen. To minimize the chance for injury, strap all children in trailer seats with included seat belts. Place properly fitted helmets meeting bicycle safety standards on all trailer passengers. Avoid incredibly bumpy roadways or paths, as they may cause unintentional trauma. Mount all safety flags and reflectors included with the trailer and always obey all bicycle traffic rules. Roads with bicycle lanes and dedicated bicycle paths are the safest way to transport the widest of bike trailers. There are a plethora of child trailer options available. The Bicycle Child Trailer Buyer's Guide is an excellent source for exploring which trailer option is best suited for your intended purpose.

References

• Tom Sara Zac: Bicycle Child Trailer Buyer's Guide
• London Skaters: Child Bicycle Trailers--Safety