Both infants and young children can be transported safely on a bicycle. For the youngest, a bicycle trailer is a good solution, especially if you want to travel with two children and luggage. The trailer will be more stable than a heavily loaded bicycle with a child’s seat, and in a covered trailer children will be sheltered from the wind and rain. If your child is too big to sit in a trailer, but still can’t pedal long distances, a half-bike or a tandem is a good option; the child can pedal away while the adult takes care of the steering and braking.
Bicycle trailers for infants
You can get special bicycle trailers to seat 1-2 infants. Some trailers can also take a baby’s carrycot. Inside the trailer the children can play with their toys or take a nap – so they are rested on arrival. You might want to fit a child’s seat on the adult bicycle as well so that your child can sit with mum or dad every once in a while. Try not to cover day-long stretches with infants, who might not enjoy traveling in a trailer for hours on end. Stop for frequent breaks so everyone can take a moment to rest, "refuel" and stretch their legs.
Half-bikes for young children
If your child is too old to ride patiently in a child’s seat, but still too young to cycle alone in traffic, a half-bike is the answer. This resembles the rear-end of a child’s bicycle, and is fixed to the rear of an adult bicycle. With a half-bike your child won’t just be transported around, but will actually be able to do some peddling – and this makes the trip more fun for everybody. A half-bike must be coupled to the adult bike according to the same rules that apply to bicycle trailers, and depending on the make, is usually suitable for children aged about 5-10. Choose a model with a good coupling to ensure stability.
Family tandems
A tandem is a good idea if two cyclists of differing ability want to cycle together – because on a tandem there’s no chance of losing sight of each other! If you want to cover long distances with slightly older children, a tandem can be an ideal solution. Tandem bicycles are available that allow children to ride on the back seat from age 8 and up. Two adults can often also ride this type of tandem.
Riding their own bicycles
Children who are used to cycling on their own can readily be taken on a cycling holiday as soon as they can ride the bicycle safely. With plenty of stops along the way and the right bicycle, a route covering 30km will not be beyond the ability of an 8-year-old cyclist.