WWYD: Bike to the Univ? Trailer or seat for DD? What kind of bike?

[ha98ed14]

I am considering going totally green here. Parking at the University has gotten ridiculous. Even with a parking pass ($168!), there is no guarantee of finding a space, and they are upfront about telling you that. So I am considering buying a bike and biking myself and DD the 3.5 miles to campus. She will be going to the daycare at the University.

Seriously, with the amount of time it takes to drive around looking for parking, I think it might take the same amount of time door to door. So, am I crazy? FWIW, there are neighborhood streets that parallel the main roads, so I will not have to ride in full traffic. And there are lights to cross the major intersections. So, WWY think if you saw a very plus-sized woman bicycling down the road with a kid on the back?

And if I can be taken seriously, would you have any recommendations to go with a seat or a trailer. If it's a trailer, I need one that, ideally, could be taken off and left at the daycare. They have a spot for these to be parked. Do they make them that collapse and can go in a car trunk? Any recommendations for a solidly built (to hold a plus sized person), but simple and reasonably priced bike? I do not need anything fancy. It is all flat land and paved roads. Any help VERY appreciated!

[Jen841]

I am no expert, but a good quality female Cruiser I think would be great.

I recommend a trailer b/c they have a longer life. My kids only fit in the seats for ages 1-2, then their legs started popping out.

Check on Craigslist for trailer options. Ours does collapse, but it was a garage sale purchase. I am no expert.

I would love to use our bikes for transportation vs recreation.

[boolady]

I give you a lot of credit for even considering this! If I saw you biking down the road with DD, I'd be thinking that it looked like good exercise. My only concern--do you have a reasonable back-up plan for bad weather? If you don't buy a parking pass, can you park somewhere on rainy/otherwise yucky days?

[arivecchi]

I like bike seats because we live in Chicago and am worried about all the car traffic. Our toddler loves the seat - we have the CoPilot Limo - which is recommended in the Toddler Bargains book. I had it installed at the bike shop where I got DH's bike because it is kind of a pain to install it. We also got both helmets fitted at the bike shop. Good luck. Sounds like a great way to exercise!

[Snow mom]

Is there a bus that you can take to the university? Maybe a commuter bus where they have designated parking and then you hop the bus for a quick ride. UT has a bus system that is free to ride and that's how I typically get to the university. Personally, I'm not that comfortable on a bike and would really worry about DD on or behind my bike. When I ride alone I always feel like cars give my biking skills too much credit-- cutting way closer to me than is appropriate. From my experience pushing a stroller around town I don't think drivers would cut me any more slack if I clearly had a baby along for the ride. This is riding in bike lanes on somewhat busy 2 lane streets FWIW. I would see if you can borrow a bike from someone you know and see how the ride is around the time you'd be doing it before you invest in a bike.

[tylersmama]

I'd say go for it! It's a great idea! I'm seriously contemplating if it's feasible to take DS to preschool this fall in the trailer, and it sounds like my ride would be much more challenging than yours.

I prefer trailers over seats. They just seem safer to me. At least if I go over on my bike, I know DS is still protected inside the trailer. And yes, helmets, for both, definitely.

As far as trailers go, Chariots are the top of the line and they are awesome. I have one, and I love it. They are pricey, no doubt, but REI typically puts them on sale for 20% off during their big Labor Day sale. You can also check your local craigslist, although they go so fast around here that it's really tough to get one used. That's also a plus for buying one, though. They *really* hold their value, so if you go to resell in a few years, you will most likely get a very good percentage of your money back. ANother thing to think about is if you run at all, the Chariot can also be used as a jogging stroller. Burleys are also very good and very well made, and slightly cheaper.

For the bike, I'd probably go with a hybrid over a cruiser, just for the fact that it will be a little sturdier and have a few more options, especially with gearing, that you would probably prefer for pulling a trailer. Even with flat, paved roads, there are always little inclines you don't notice until you're pulling a trailer!

[Carlasmom]

I have to reply to this one because I take my kids everywhere in our trailer! In our town in Germany that seems to be the most common mode of transportation.

Since we decided to go without a car I splurged on a good bike. I would recommend buying one with good quality gears and brakes - you will be pulling a whole lot of weight and will appreciate the first on upward slopes and the second when you go downhill. My DH found an excellent used bike. Craigslist might be an option for you.

We got an expensive trailer with the same reasoning. Burley and Chariot are two high-end brands. I don't consider them to be fancy but that's because we use ours on a daily basis. They're certainly easy to detach. I never collapse mine so I can't comment on that.

The weather issue is not really an issue for the kids in the trailer. They're pretty well protected in there. The person pulling the trailer though needs good rain gear.

We also have a bike seat but I much prefer the trailer. I find it more comfortable to pull a trailer than to ride a bike with the extra weight. Also, I can put a lot of stuff in the trailer's "trunk". I do my groceries that way.

Hope to help.

[TwinFoxes]

I used to work in a bike shop in college, and everyone who worked in bike shops who had kids had trailers. They all felt they were safer for the kids. If nothing else, it's not as far to fall as from a seat.

If I saw you'd riding I'd think "good for you!" I say get lots of reflectors, a front AND rear light, and a bell. The bell is kind of optional, but it's a good way of letting pedestrians jaywalking or drivers about to open their car doors know you're there. I also agree a hybrid's a little sturdier, and although it might seem flat to you in your car, you may find out that you actually have to go up a hill or an incline where you'd like to have some gears.

I don't have any specific brand recommendations, it's been years (I won't say how long!) since I had that job.

[wellyes]

If it's reasonably flat, 3.5 miles is not too bad. And biking 7 miles per day (round trip) would be so healthy.

I have a trailer and a bike seat. I like the trailer for car-free bike paths because you can fit two kids in there plus a picnic lunch.... great for an afternoon with friends. I am not at ALL comfortable sharing the road with cars while using the trailer. It's behind you, less maneuverable than a bike, and a car might see you but not account for the much lower bike seat. Even if you put flags on it. It is a deliberately lightweight metal frame with a canvas cover behind you. No protection at all in the (unlikely) event an accident, even a really slow-speed one.

So when I take DD on neighborhood street I use our iBert bike seat which is front-mounted. She's right between my arms. I love watching her clap when she seems something she likes.... which at her age is dogs, flowers, other people, cars, anything. She applauds the whole ride, it's hilarious. The only tough part is that it doesn't work on every bike - you need at least a 1/2 inch free on the handlebar to mount it. And if you are very well endowed your front may brush up against your DD's helmet. So, get on from Craigslist and try before you buy. But I LOVE ours & do recommend it.

[arivecchi]

This might be a helpful article. I agree with wellyes, trailers are better for some situations and bike seats are better for others.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/b...hildren-ov.htm

I'd love to see what people recommend in terms of bikes. I am thinking of getting one too!