Utility Cycling - trailer size restrictions?

setting aside the obvious reasons for wanting a smaller/sleeker trailer (aerodynamics, weight, etc), i was wonderin if there's any rules or regulations regarding trailer size, particularly when operating on public roads. (ie are they restricted to be bike lane width?)

i tried to ask in as general of terms as possible, but the specifics are: Baltimore, MD, and i'd like to know if i can legally tow my boat (self built flatbottomed, weighs ~130 lbs) from my house down the road to the nearest boat launch (1 mile, public roads) using a road that is 4 lanes- 2 in either direction, so i wouldn't be blocking traffic

not really looking to start a debate on the safety (thats what the A&S forum is for), or to discuss my ability to tow the boat, just looking to see if it's legal/acceptable.

Best place to ask this question is either the police or at city hall. From a practical point of view no wider than 40" is good.

Best place to ask this question is either the police or at city hall. From a practical point of view no wider than 40" is good.police would probably not know. they would probably say it is in the grey area.

i don't know about the laws where you live but where i live i know the law says
For cyclists, you must ride far enough out from the curb to maintain a straight line, clear of sewer grates, debris, potholes, and parked car doors. You may occupy any part of a lane when your safety warrants it. Never compromise your safety for the convenience of a motorist behind you.
this is all i can find for laws in Baltimore. there may be others but that is all i could find
http://www.baltimorecity.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=zyTKxwQtwfs%3d&tabid=739&mid=1402

As far as I know there is nothing against the law about what you plan to do.

/MD resident.

if you do this it might be a good idea to get a slow moving vehicle sign just in case. some cheap flashing lights might also be a good thing to have on the trailer
http://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/image_slow_vehicle_sign.jpg

cool. ive seen those one the back of amish buggies and the like, a good idea (i'd thought of it but hadnt mentioned it, great minds think alike of course.

i know it sounds like a silly thing to do, and of course i would never attempt this if it proves to be unsafe, mainly just wondering for those days where my wife has our one car, and i have an itch to go crabbing that can't be satisfied from shore. next step is to strap 200 lbs to a regular sized trailer and see if i can make it up the few hills /bridge on the way.

on a few occasions i have hauled about 200 lbs on my trailer and it was not too bad but it was really slow and took lots of leg power when going up hills. going down the hills was the easy part.

Legalities aside, a practical maximum width would be between 27" and 35" depending on what percentage of gates, doors and other entryways you might want to maneuver through.

:)ensen.

Legalities aside, a practical maximum width would be between 27" and 35" depending on what percentage of gates, doors and other entryways you might want to maneuver through.

:)ensen.
none. its a boat, which is stored outside, just need to add a few wheels and a tongue to tow it.

I don't know of any legal requirements. However I have been told by a police officer that I couldn't tow my trailer on any roads where the speed limit was above 35mph :rolleyes:...he was obviously misinformed.

I have seen more than one person pulling boats with a bicycle, they are usually a canoe or kayak style boat, fairly narrow.

Aaron :)

none. its a boat, which is stored outside, just need to add a few wheels and a tongue to tow it.

So... something like this:

:)ensen

http://www.biketrailershop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/moving-by-bike-trailer.jpg