Bike trailers are a way to introduce your young child to bicycling and keep her with you as you cycle around yourself, be it for errands or leisure. The protective shell of the trailer can be deceptive, though, masking structural flaws. Knowing what sort of safety issues can occur with child bike trailers will help you better evaluate models if you decide to buy one.
Types
Most trailer models are low-to-the-ground, two-wheeled carts that, from the side, look like triangles with rounded edges. These trailers might have a cover that protects the interior of the trailer, or the top and front could be left open. ConsumerReports.org says kids up to about six years old can use these trailers as long as they don't exceed the manufacturer's weight limit. A second form of trailer is meant for older children who can pedal. This is a half-bike with handlebars, pedals, a seat and a rear wheel that has a bar that arcs forward and attaches to the adult's bike, instead of having its own front tire. This is sometimes called a trailer bike or trailercycle.
Safety Benefits
If a low trailer tips over, the child will fall only a few inches. Depending on the design of the trailer, there might be padding or framework inside to further protect the child. A sheltered, properly ventilated trailer can also protect the child from poor weather. Remember that even though trailers have these advantages, a child who does travel in any kind of bike trailer should wear a helmet. ConsumerReports.org says the helmet should have approval from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Safety Issues
Purchase a trailer in person so you can examine it. If you buy online, you might end up with an item that isn't nearly as sturdy as it looks in the pictures. Pay attention to all recalls. ConsumerReports.org warns that secondhand trailers might have too much wear or be subject to an old recall. Inspect the safety harness, wheels and attaching hardware very closely; you do not want the trailer separating from your bike as you ride. In fact, one brand of trailer was recalled in 2009 because one of the wheels was prone to falling off, and four models of trailer bikes from another manufacturer were recalled in 2008 because the connecting hardware that latches onto the front bicycle kept failing as well.
Your Role
Even the safest trailer requires care. ConsumerReports.org points out that a trailer will make it difficult to get on and off your bike by hauling your leg over the back. A simple solution for that is using a step-through or women's bicycle. Environmental conditions will be different for you and the child in back, so bring a blanket or jacket for the child and ensure you won't be sending road debris back into the trailer. Ensure the child gets fresh air if in an enclosed trailer, and add safety accessories such as traffic visibility flags and reflectors. If you have the trailer bike, don't pedal at a speed that is too fast for the child. Ensure that your child can reach the pedals and handlebars easily and that he doesn't exceed the weight limit set by the manufacturer.
Caution
Don't try to place kids younger than one year old in a trailer. Kyla Bose, a registered nurse with the University of Michigan Health System, says children 12 months and younger don't have enough neck and back strength to handle the ride. She also notes that the jostling from the bumpy ride on some trails could actually affect the child's brain.
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