They thought they’d solved the challenge of carrying kids by bicycle in 1951 by simply transforming a pram into a sidecar. While that particular idea didn’t take off, bicycles remain one of the most joyful ways of travelling with your children.
When it comes to carrying kids by bicycle, especially on the school run, there are various options to choose between.
By far the simplest and most popular is the child seat fitted onto the rear rack, but on a standard bike it is not possible to carry more than one child in this way.
Sales of 3-seat electric bicycles are soaring in Japan as school-run drivers in congested cities like Tokyo swap their cars for bikes such as the Angelino.
Bicycles designed to carry two children in safety are common in mainland Europe, but were not legal for sale in Japan until July 2009. Since the ban was lifted, well over 100,000 3-seater bicycles have been sold.
Spanners at the ready – this bicycle sidecar is DIY
There is a bewildering array of child seats, ‘tag-alongs’ and trailers aimed at helping families cycle together, but none is as stylish looking as the bicycle sidecar designed by Steve Bodiley.
The Bicycle Sidecar allows a toddler to accompany an adult cycle on long rides while leaving the bike free to carry luggage or a rear-mounted child seat.
A bicycle sidecar may not be quite as practical as a conventional child seat, but it’s a more adventurous way of passing the cycling bug to the next generation.
Another advantage the sidecar has over other designs is that it allows the adult rider to keep an eye on the child and, just as importantly, the child an uninterrupted view of the path ahead.
DIY plans on how to build the sidecar from steel tubing and plywood are available for free at Steve Bodily’s fascinating website steves-workshop.co.uk
Imagine school run congestion, and the associated road danger, replaced with a procession of sturdy bikes – their cargo boxes brimming with kids.
Carrying kids by bicycle
Cargo trikes are being bought in increasing numbers in London, not only by businesses looking for an environmentally-friendly way of bypassing the congestion charge, but by parents looking for a practical and fun alternative to the car for the school run.
In Denmark many families with two or more kids, have turned to the Christiania. There is a choice between a standard-sized model, which can fit two to three kids, and a longer version, which can comfortably seat four to six. The box where the kids sit is in front, so everyone gets a good view, while the rider can keep an eye on the kids.
The Madsen Cargo Bike is like any other bicycle features an extended frame equipped with a tub large sturdy enough to carry 250 kg. The advantage it has over the trikes is that it’s easier to store and park if space is tight. Although, it’s a practical and cost-effective way of carrying kids by bicycle, the Madsen has no distributor in Britain.
Environmentally friendly cycle insurance
On the face of it, one cycle insurance policy is much like another, but the devil is the detail. How much excess you will be charged is just one of the things that varies wildly between providers. Another is so called ‘new-for-old’ replacement – many insurers use this term, but if your bicycle is more than a few years old, devalue it severely. This means you are left out of pocket when you come to replace it. Read our insider guide to cycle insurance.
Furthermore, every cycle insurance policy you buy from us helps support the work of the ETA Trust, our charity campaigning for a cleaner, safer transport future.
Little wonder The Good Shopping Guide rates us as the UK’s most ethical provider.
Mike Croker
I note that, in the 1951 clip, the sprog had legged it before Mum cycled off up the road!