Bicycling with your Pup
We once had someone reach out to say that a bicycle to commute wasn’t an option for them. That could have been, but we asked a few more questions to see why she felt that way. As it turns out, her dog joined her in the office each day. How was she supposed to carry her pup with her if she rode a bicycle?
It’s a great question, but it turns out the answer is easier than you might think! We love both bicycles and dogs…and these are not exclusionary! You’d be surprised by how many bicycle accessories are available for your furry friend. We have a few tried and true favorites if you are looking for a way to commute with a pup in tow.
BarkBay Dog Bike Basket Carrier. This is a great choice for dogs under 18 pounds. The BarkBay Carrier is completely enclosed with mesh on the front and top for your pup to see. You also have the option to unzip the top and let your dog’s head stick out. Just make sure they are secured on the leash hook first. If you are going to leave the top open, make sure to do a short practice run so they can get used to the feeling and don’t feel the urge to jump.
K9 Sport Sack Trainer Forward Facing Dog Carrier Backpack. We love this option for the anxious pup! Easy to wear and comfortable, you can strap your backpack on and your dog will look right over your shoulder the hold ride. We find that the close proximity to you and the ability to see forward limits a dog’s anxiety while riding. This bag comes in a few different sizes, supporting dogs up to 30 pounds.
PetSafe Happy Ride Steel Cat & Dog Bicycle Trailer. While this trailer is a little more of an investment, we’ve found it well worth the money. There are two sizes, the largest holding up to 110 pounds! If you have multiple small to medium dogs, this is a great solution to carry them together. Pets can be completely surrounded by mesh, or they can pop their head out of the top. Similar to the BarkBay basket, give your dog some time to adjust and feel comfortable before opening the top. As a bonus, when your pup isn’t along for the ride, you can use this for other cargo as well.
Walky Dog Plus Bicycle Exercise Leash. This nifty leash attaches to your bike so your dog can run alongside you as you pedal–meaning exercise for both! You get a leash length of 6.5 feet with the option to shorten if your dog does better when held close. It attaches below your saddle so you are hands-free the entire ride! While this is a great option for some, remember that it takes practice for both of you to master this method. Go on a few slow practice runs before tackling your commute.
Now that you have the right accessory, you are almost ready to ride. Before you hit the road, we have a few final tips. We mentioned it before, but it is so important we will reiterate it–practice runs are your best friend! Both you and your pet will benefit from knowing what to expect while on the road. Adding any weight to your bike will change the way it handles. Make sure you are prepared for this change. When using a trailer or exercise leash, turning will feel different. Once you feel comfortable with a pup in tow, it is time to start your commute.
Bikes can easily be used to transport cargo…even the most precious!