CfSC Policy: Cycle-mounted child carriers

Taking all the following concerns into consideration, it is the opinion of Citizens for Safe Cycling that cycle-mounted child carriers are potentially very hazardous. Citizens for Safe Cycling does not believe that a cycle-mounted carrier is a safe method of transport for children.
1. Inexperienced rider

An inexperienced rider will not be aware of many of the problems detailed below, and will not anticipate their effects. This could well place both rider and child in considerable danger.

2. Stability of cycle with child on board

The child in the carrier is typically at a relatively high position, and the overall centre of gravity is therefore higher than normal. The child is unlikely to be still all the time, and also may not sit in a central position. All of these factors will make the cycle less stable and more difficult to handle.

3. Additional load

The carrier, child, clothing and additional equipment can easily add 20 kg to the total weight of the cycle, and most of it at high level. This compares with stationary and relatively low level loads of 10 kg for lightweight touring, 20 kg for long distance touring, and maybe more for cycle-camping. This additional 20 kg will require considerably more effort to move the cycle.

4. Mounting/dismounting/parking

The typical "leg-over-the-saddle" method of mounting and dismounting cannot be used when a child carrier is in use. Only a moment's lack of attention could cause serious injury to the child. It is difficult to park a cycle with a child in the carrier; it will certainly fall over if a kickstand is used, it may well fall if the cycle is leant against something, and it will probably fall if the child moves suddenly.

5. Age of child

A child under the age of 6 months is not able to support the weight of its head, and is therefore unable to use the typical child carrier safely. Up to the age of 18 months, or maybe more, a child can be expected to fall asleep in the carrier, and once again its head will not be adequately supported. A sleeping child will also tend to flop from side to side, causing instability of the cycle.

6. Attachment of carrier to cycle

Most carriers are attached by means of "clamp-on" clips, some of which are only fixed with hand-tightened knobs. This kind of clip is prone to come loose and then either rotate or slide down the cycle frame. A secure attachment is best obtained using lugs welded to the cycle frame; such lugs are not typically provided on "off-the-shelf" cycles.

7. Communication/boredom/restricted view

Communication between child and rider is difficult because the air flow tends to "blow the words away". The child readily becomes bored on any long journey, particularly because of the restricted view caused by the close proximity of the rider's "derriere".

- END -

Approved by the CfSC Board, 1989

Last modified 1997 May 27 by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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