Utility Cycling - Taking up a passenger

Hey I'm just a regular guy who doesnt know much about cycling. I'm in college and I ride around a lot to get palces. In a few weeks my friend will be coming to visit me and I needed some help in finding a way to get her around. Also, I"m hoping to use it when I go home too. I was thinking of getting one of those bike racks that you attach to your bike, but after looking at those I noticed that they only have a 30lb capacity or so. I only need it for very short rides of less than 2 miles. Is there anything I can use? Also, I see it on t.v and in person all the time where people ride on the rear racks, are they doing something completely unsafe or is it okay?

Hey I'm just a regular guy who doesnt know much about cycling. I'm in college and I ride around a lot to get palces. In a few weeks my friend will be coming to visit me and I needed some help in finding a way to get her around. Also, I"m hoping to use it when I go home too. I was thinking of getting one of those bike racks that you attach to your bike, but after looking at those I noticed that they only have a 30lb capacity or so.

That's because they're for cargo (light cargo at that) and not people.



I only need it for very short rides of less than 2 miles. Is there anything I can use? Also, I see it on t.v and in person all the time where people ride on the rear racks, are they doing something completely unsafe or is it okay?

Yes. It's very unsafe. I frown when I see people doing things like that. If you want to put two adults on a bike then you need something like a tandem. Alternatively, have you considered scouring the the thrift shops for a ridable cheap bike for so she can ride along with you? Many people have found ridable or near ridable (with some minor tune-up and replacement of tyres and such) bikes at thrift shops in the $20 to $40 range.

Hey I'm just a regular guy who doesnt know much about cycling. I'm in college and I ride around a lot to get palces. In a few weeks my friend will be coming to visit me and I needed some help in finding a way to get her around. Also, I"m hoping to use it when I go home too. I was thinking of getting one of those bike racks that you attach to your bike, but after looking at those I noticed that they only have a 30lb capacity or so. I only need it for very short rides of less than 2 miles. Is there anything I can use? Also, I see it on t.v and in person all the time where people ride on the rear racks, are they doing something completely unsafe or is it okay?

Less than 2 miles...try walking! It will take a young college person like you you less than 30 minutes.

could you get pegs for the back? standing on those would be much safer than a rack, and probably more comfortable too.

Buy or borrow a second bike while she is there. Where are you located, a member might be able to steer you in the right directon.