[See also our page of links on kids' cycling, including local school initiatives]
If you have feedback on anything below, or other useful information, please share it with Spokes: email familycycling@spokes.org.uk.
The Spokes factsheet – Cycle Commuting with Kids [pdf 1049k]
Cycle Commuting with Kids – short version [pdf 908k] – Shortened [4-page] version of the above. Also available in printed form – email us if you or your group could use some copies.
Suppliers
Please note that products are constantly changing and suppliers come and go. Inclusion of any particular supplier does not imply endorsement by Spokes. For online suppliers we only list a limited number of specialists.
- ———- Local suppliers ———
- LaidBack Bikes – Circe Helios tandem, Edinburgh based – contact to ask about test-runs
- Edinburgh Bicycle – kids’ bikes, tag-along, trailers, etc
- Veloecosse – Kids’ bikes, trailers and tag-alongs
- Alpine Bikes – kids’ bikes, tag-alongs, etc. Also the Weehoo i-Go: “a child pedal-trailer”
- ———- Online, outside Edinburgh/Lothians ———-
- Velorution – Christiana trikes, Taga buggy conversion bikes. Also a useful advice web page: school run by bike.
- Power-to-the-Pedal – supplier of bikes and equipment that offer a realistic and practical replacement for the family car
- Dutchbike – Bakfiets, trikes etc
- BretonBikes – Cycling holidays with extensive family equipment
- CycleSense - see Child Transportation section of their website
- Kids and Family Cycles – they have 4 children and have experimented with ‘every type of pedal powered transport’
Updates to the factsheet
We will not be able to keep the factsheet regularly updated, though we may do that from time to time. However useful updates/comments meantime will be included below.
- Edinburgh tryout – If you work for a company registered with the Bike Station’s Better Way to Work project and you’d like to test out some family-commuting options, the Bike Station might loan you equipment to try: Burley child trailers, child seats and tag-alongs are available as well as adult bikes.
- Cyclorama [part of Company of Cyclists] – Encyclopaedia of specialised bikes, including for families, load-carrying, etc.
- Get Cycling [part of Company of Cyclists] – Wide variety of family and load-carrying bikes etc: can be tried out at roadshows, UK group holidays, etc.
- Storms and blizzards! - Think carefully about cycling your children through nasty weather. Pre-schoolers in particular may not appreciate the fun side and you risk your travel choices being questioned for some time, with strong pleas for motorised rather than active travel.
- Cargo Bikes – more info [see 2.1 of factsheet] In Copenhagen 6% of all households have a cargo bike, around 15000 in total. 22% of owners say this avoids the need for a car [Marie Kastrup, City of Copenhagen, Traffic Dept, mariekATtmf.kk.dk]. For a host of examples of use with kids, see www.flickr.com/photos/16nine/sets/72157626068878464.
