Carrying instead of running
Some pets are too small, too old or simply unsuited to running beside a bike. For those animals, the sensible alternative is to carry them in a container made for the job. This article looks at that approach: small dogs, cats and other small pets travelling in baskets, bags or trailers. If you are thinking about a dog that runs alongside, that is a separate subject with its own risks.
Be honest about whether the trip is needed. Many pets, especially cats and small animals, find motion, noise and unfamiliar surroundings stressful. If your pet does not enjoy travel, a bike ride may not be a kindness. A vet can tell you whether your animal is healthy enough, and this article is general information, not veterinary advice.
Choosing a carrier
Look for equipment made for transporting animals by bike, and read the maker’s instructions and limits on size and weight, as these vary between products. A good carrier should be:
- Secure, with a closed or covered top or a sturdy harness tether inside, so the animal cannot jump out.
- Well ventilated, so air can flow, but not so open that the pet can escape or be hit by debris.
- Stable, with a flat, non-slip base and sides that keep the pet from sliding around.
- Comfortably sized, so the animal can stand, turn and lie down.
- Firmly fixed to the bike, with no wobbling, rattling or contact with the wheel.
An open front basket is generally not a safe place for most pets. Even a calm animal can leap out if startled by a loud bang, a bird or a passing dog. A basket with a lid, or a soft carrier strapped securely to a rack, is a better starting point, though neither is perfect. A pet trailer places the animal low and behind you, which may feel more stable for some animals, but a trailer changes how the bike turns and stops. The general ideas about riding with a bike trailer apply here, including wider turns and longer stopping distances.
If you are unsure about attaching anything to your bike, ask a bike shop to check the fitting, racks and hitches. Never exceed the weight limits of your rack, trailer or bike.
Get your pet used to the carrier
Do not make the bike ride the first time your pet meets the carrier. Leave it open at home with a familiar blanket and a treat inside, and let the animal explore it. Over several days, close it for short periods, then lift it, then carry it around the house, then strap it to a stationary bike.
Only when your pet is calm through all those steps should you try a very short, slow ride on smooth ground. The slower and quieter the first trip, the better.
Keep rides short and gentle
Start with a few minutes and end on a good note. Ride on smooth, quiet routes, because bumps and vibration are tiring and unpleasant for a small animal. Avoid kerbs, potholes, cobbles and rough paths. Brake early and gently, take corners slowly, and avoid sudden starts.
Pay attention to the weather. Heat can be dangerous to animals in an enclosed carrier, and cold and wind can also be uncomfortable. Carry water, offer it at stops, and never leave a pet alone in a carrier on a parked bike, particularly in sunlight. Think carefully before riding in rain, strong wind or poor light, since both you and your passenger will find it more difficult.
Also consider the extra weight. A bike with a pet on board is often harder to balance, especially when you are stopping, starting or walking it. Practising low-speed handling beforehand helps. The tips on avoiding low-speed tip-overs are useful here, because a tip with a pet on board is much worse than a tip alone.
Watch for stress
Animals cannot tell you they are unhappy, so you need to look for signs. In dogs, panting, trembling, whining, drooling, pacing or attempts to escape suggest distress. Cats may cry loudly, hide, flatten their ears, breathe with an open mouth or try to claw out. Small animals may freeze, huddle, or breathe rapidly. Signs vary between individuals and species, so learn what is normal for your pet.
If you see these, stop in a safe place and check on your animal. If it does not settle, end the ride and take it home. Do not persist because you have planned a route. Some pets will never enjoy this, and that is fine.
Think about visibility and surroundings
You are carrying a living creature, so take extra care with being seen and with your surroundings. Choose quiet routes, away from busy roads, avoid riding past barking dogs, and give other road users plenty of notice. Good lights and reflective details help you stay visible, especially at dusk, and it is wise to avoid dark rides altogether when you have a pet aboard.
Check local rules as well. Some places have regulations about carrying animals on bicycles, and some transport services or parks restrict pets.
A short checklist
- Is my pet healthy and calm enough for this trip?
- Is the carrier made for the purpose, and fitted exactly as instructed?
- Has the pet practised with the carrier at home?
- Is the weather suitable, and do I have water?
- Is the route short, smooth and quiet?
- Am I ready to stop at once if my pet shows distress?
A pet that arrives home relaxed and curious is a sign you got it right. A pet that arrives home frightened is a sign to try something else next time.