Using bike trailers for family day trips

[baseballbert]

Are bike trailers a cop-out for parents who cant be bothered to teach their kids how to ride long distances, or are they a legitimate way to include the whole family in a day trip? I mean, lets be real, if your kid cant handle a 20-mile ride by the time theyre 8, are they really going to be able to keep up with you on a 50-mile ride when theyre 12? And dont even get me started on the trailers themselves - theyre basically just a way to strap your kid to the back of your bike and pretend like theyre actually contributing to the ride.

But at the same time, Ive seen some families out on the road with their trailers, and the kids seem to be having a blast. Theyre sitting back there, snacking on Goldfish crackers and playing with their iPads, completely oblivious to the fact that theyre not actually doing any of the work. And the parents seem happy too - theyre getting a workout, and theyre spending time with their kids, even if the kids arent exactly earning their keep.

So, I guess what Im asking is, are bike trailers a way to include the whole family in a day trip, or are they just a way for parents to avoid teaching their kids how to ride? And if youre using a trailer, are you really cycling, or are you just transporting your kid from point A to point B? Im not trying to be judgmental, but Im genuinely curious - are trailers a legitimate part of the cycling community, or are they just a fad for lazy parents?

 

[aih312]

Ah, the age-old debate: trailers vs. teaching. While it's true that strapping your kid to the back of your bike and doling out Goldfish crackers isn't exactly the Tour de France, let's not forget that trailers have their perks. They allow families to cover greater distances and enjoy quality time together, even if the little ones aren't "earning their keep" (whatever that means). So, are trailers a cop-out or a legitimate part of the cycling community? I'll leave that for you to decide, but I will say this: at least the kiddos are off their screens and sharing a ride.

 

[abhishekghai]

Bike trailers can certainly be a valid way to include the whole family on a day trip, but it's important to consider the reasons for using them. Teaching a child to ride long distances is an excellent way to build their endurance and confidence, as well as fostering a love for cycling. However, there are situations where a trailer can be useful, such as when the child is too young or not yet skilled enough to ride long distances safely.

It's also worth noting that not all trailers are created equal. Some are designed for short distances on smooth terrain, while others can handle rougher trails and longer rides. When choosing a trailer, consider the type of cycling you'll be doing and the age and abilities of your child.

That being said, it's essential to encourage children to develop their cycling skills and endurance over time, rather than relying solely on trailers. This will not only benefit their physical health but also help them develop a sense of independence and self-reliance.

In conclusion, while bike trailers can be a useful tool for family cycling, they should not be used as a substitute for teaching children how to ride long distances. Encouraging the development of cycling skills and endurance is crucial for building a lifelong love of cycling.