In April 2020, the Swiss experienced a boom in bike purchases to spend more time on two wheels while the country was in lockdown. Bikes provide hours of fun for families, offer a form of transportation and are a great way to get around. But can you take a dog on a bike ride, and if so, is it safe, and do you need additional accessories to do it right.
IS IT SAFE TO CYCLE WITH YOUR DOG?
Taking your dog on a bike ride is safe, but not without preparation. As with anything else that is new to your dog, a slow introduction is best, whether he is riding alongside the bike or in a basket or cart.
When traveling with dogs, the safety of the activity depends on your dog’s fitness, experience and temperament. If you take all these factors into account, you can avoid injuries and accidents.
An unenergetic, moody, easily distracted or unruly dog may not be the best companion for a bike ride, but you may be able to train him to be a perfect fitness partner.
HOW CAN I CYCLE SAFELY WITH MY DOG?
Your dog’s size, fitness level, experience and temperament are key factors in determining the best way to make cycling with your dog fun and safe.
LEASH ATTACHMENTS ON THE BIKE
There are many different leash attachments on the market for dog owners who want to take their dog on bike rides. Some products boast that no training is required before the leads can be used.
Some of these bike leashes are universal, meaning it doesn’t matter what type of bike you have, so you can easily install the device and switch between different bikes as needed.
It’s important to compare the different bike leashes available and make sure that the safety of the cyclist and the dog is paramount in the design of the attachment. While convenience is a plus, a bike leash that absorbs the shock of being pulled and won’t come loose in the event of an accident (so your dog can’t run into traffic) is key.
If you have a bike lead or think this is the best option for you and your dog, make sure you use it safely.
DOG PENDANT
For smaller dogs, those who are not quite fit enough for a bike ride, or perhaps even those with health restrictions or disabilities, a bike trailer offers dogs the opportunity to enjoy the wind in their fur. Trailers that ride quite low to the ground can help keep your dog safe and comfortable.
Some trailers are equipped with extras such as removable pads for more comfort and pockets for treats, poop bags and perhaps a ball for a round of fetch when you stop.
When buying trailers, the weight of the product is an important consideration because the heavier the trailer, the harder it will be to pedal or start if you have stopped. Other features to consider are:
- Compatibility of the trailer with your bike
- Robustness
- Size
- Comfort
- Security
- Weight
- Dog baskets
Dog bike baskets are another option if you’re thinking about taking your dog with you on your bike. While you can’t fit a Great Dane in it, it’s a good alternative for smaller dogs that aren’t able to run alongside your bike.
There are baskets that can be attached to the front or back of your bike and are usually equipped with a strap that attaches to your dog’s collar or a protective wire cover.
Each carrier differs in terms of material, comfort, robustness and weight capacity, so you can find the right one for your pet.
WHAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN CYCLING WITH YOUR PET
Whatever you decide, there are always things to consider when taking your dog on a bike ride. Dogs should always set the pace and the length of the route – you should never ride long distances if they are not properly conditioned.
Also choose the terrain and training location safely, especially if you are using a leash attachment on the bike and letting your dog run alongside you. Distractions or unexpected events could cause your dog to react instinctively, which could lead to a fall if the lead pulls on the handlebars or the dog bumps into the bike. So always be careful when riding on a lead, especially if your dog is restless or younger.
There’s no law that says you and your dog can’t ride on the road, but the Highway Code, Section 68, states that it’s illegal to ride a bike in a “dangerous, careless or reckless manner”. With a dog attached to your bike on a lead, you could argue that it could be all three, depending on what happens while you’re riding.
If you are cycling with your dog in an open area, such as a forest or plain, you can bring yourself and your dog to safety.
Always remember to wear a helmet yourself as you want to make sure you have taken the necessary precautions to stay safe and be able to look after your dog if you are involved in an accident.
