Much is said about advice when traveling with animals in the car, especially in this vacation and travel season, in which it is increasingly common to involve household pets. However, there are people who in their day to day are more used to moving everywhere by bicycle. And that also includes their dog, with whom they circulate throughout the city to carry out all kinds of outdoor activities or leisure plans. Something excellent, but that must always be done with maximum safety for the well-being of the owner and animal. As well as other road users.
Taking the animal, putting it in the basket that was installed on the bicycle and starting to pedal is a mistake that should not be made. Although it is not strange to come across this image in the streets of the cities. Although Spanish law does not offer very specific information on this subject, the General Traffic Regulations indicate that an approved transport system must be used, that does not interfere with the driver and that guarantees their safety and that of the rest of the public. road users.
The first thing to take into account to know the best way to travel by bicycle with a dog is the size of it. That will determine what type of security system is the one to choose in order to circulate with it in the best possible way.
In the case of small dogs, which do not exceed 12 kilos, you can choose two alternatives. One of them is focused on smaller ones and consists of a backpack for dogs that is suitable for bicycles. In this way it can be transported attached to the back. It will be essential that this equipment does not affect the cyclist's freedom of movement. While for dogs that are somewhat larger, the ideal option is a transport basket, which can be placed both in the front and in the luggage area. This must be approved and have a security system based on a leash, to keep the animal subject, and reflective areas.
If the dog is larger, the alternative will be to opt for bicycle trailers for these pets. They must be approved and have been designed for this purpose. With an appropriate wheel system, easy access, adequate protection, cover, reflectors and strap. It is essential that the dog is safe inside, that it does not affect the mobility of the bicycle and that it is perfectly visible to other drivers.
