Transporting your baby by bike: pedal safely

Are you a two-wheel enthusiast and have just had a baby? Do you want to transport your baby by bike , but you're wondering if it's possible? In France, this practice remains very rare. The reasons: the lack of information on this subject and somewhat vague legislation that make many parents hesitate. So, is transporting a baby by bike possible before nine months? What equipment is suitable depending on the age of your little one? We take stock!

Transporting a baby by bike: from what age?

In France, regulations do not impose a minimum age for transporting your baby by bike. As long as you have equipment suitable for their safety, you can, in principle, ride with them from their first weeks of life.

However, as you may know, article R431-1-3 of the Highway Code requires all children under 12 years of age to wear a helmet , whether they are riding their own bike or are a passenger.

In France, you won't find helmets for children with a head circumference below 44 cm. Given that this head circumference is reached on average between six and nine months, it will therefore be impossible to find a suitable bicycle helmet for your infant.

There is no law that prohibits you from transporting your baby on a bicycle . However, if your baby does not wear a helmet, you will be liable to a class 4 fine, i.e. a fixed fine of €135.

💡 Did you know? Across Europe , the issue of mandatory helmet use when cycling is a divisive one. Currently, only Finland requires it for all cyclists, children and adults. Twelve other countries require it for minors:

• under 10 years: Malta;
• under 12: Austria, Latvia, France;
• under 15: Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden;
• under 16: Spain, Croatia, Estonia;
• under 18: Czech Republic, Lithuania.

Which bike seat should you use to transport your baby safely?

Article R431-11 of the Highway Code specifies: before the age of five, your child must be installed in a seat equipped with a restraint system. In other words, they must be transported in an approved 3-point seat . However, depending on the age of your baby, the transport systems will not be the same.

Transporting an infant by bike: in a trailer or cargo bike

Carrying a baby on a bike is controversial. Before three months, your child's neck muscles are not fully developed and they cannot hold their head up. Similarly, until they are nine months old (a little earlier for some babies), they will not be able to sit up unaided.

Technically, it is still possible to transport your child by bike , even if they cannot sit up.

There are reclining baby carriers and hammocks available that are specifically designed to fit into a trailer or cargo bike . These have a five-point seat belt and are secured inside the vehicle using straps.

On the other hand, if you ride a cargo bike, you can also opt for a maxi cosi mounting bracket , on which you attach your car seat. It is also recommended that the front box of your bike is equipped with a canopy to protect your baby from the wind and rain. Also, remember that when riding a bike, you are exposed to the cold. Dress him warmly, without forgetting to cover his hands and feet.

Beyond nine months: in a front or rear baby seat

After a few months, as soon as your baby can sit up unaided, you can move on to a front or rear baby seat.

The rear-mounted baby seat is the most popular. It mounts to your bike's luggage rack or frame. If you have a longtail, you can even install two! Most models are approved to support a maximum weight of 22 kg.

As for the front baby seat , it attaches to the stem at the front of your bike. Slightly inclined, it can accommodate a child weighing less than 15 kg. Note that this type of seat can reduce the maneuverability of your bike. Similarly, when stationary, the weight of your child can tend to unbalance you.

💡 Did you know? Some rear-facing baby seats recline. This type of model is ideal for a toddler. They'll be able to nap without their head falling off!

You now know all the specifics regarding transporting a baby by bike . A child under nine months old can be placed on a cargo bike or trailer, provided, of course, that they have the right equipment. However, helmets are still mandatory for minors under 12 years old. For this reason, at Galian, we prioritize safety. We therefore recommend that you wait a few months before transporting your brand new treasure by bike!

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