Utility Cycling - Question for Madsen users

Anyone using a Madsen to transport kids over 5 yrs old? Plenty of people appear to be happily transporting toddlers; but I haven't seen or heard much about slightly older kids. I'm considering getting a Madsen to take my 5-yr-old on the 6-mile commute to his new school. He's been fine on the Trail-a-bike for the 1-mile trip to his old school; but for 6 miles I think I'd prefer him to be able to sit and read or play with Lego. I'm hoping that, as long as he's the only passenger, there will be plenty of room in the bucket for his legs and our two bags for at least the next three years, until he's 7 or 8. Am I expecting too much? Thanks.

Our 4 and 6 year old still ride together in the Madsen to and from church and summer day camp. The older one has begun to ride on our Schwinn tandem-- he totally prefers it to the bucket.

He and I have done an 8 mile round trip to a neighboring town-- we were even late on the way back and put on speed!

I don't know how that would translate to a trail-a-bike. I would think that the tandem is more stable and connected.

Here he is on the back of our Schwinn.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb84/westhavenmusician/Bike/IMG_1499-2.jpg

It's a lot easier with him pedaling! Two strapping boys in the Madsen on the 15 mile round trip to church is certainly a challenge!

Your child should be fine in the Madsen up through age 7 and 8.

Thanks, Standalone. I had already read your very useful earlier posts about the Madsen, and was encouraged by them to think the Madsen might be the solution for us for the next few years. I've definitely considered a tandem also (yes, the Trail-a-bike does not feel sufficiently 'connected' for me to be comfortable with him on it on the busier parts of the new commute); and as much as I like the idea of my son starting and ending each day with a good half hour of exercise, I'm worried he might be a bit too much of a daydreamer for a tandem. Much of the time on the Trail-a-bike, he ends up barely holding on with one hand while (not pedaling) he twists around and stares at various things, or into space...

my oldest is definitely a daydreamer, but always focused and pedaling along on the tandem. I feel very secure with him on it.

The Madsen is worth it just for the smiles!

As long as you and your kid weigh less than 281 kg (619 lbs)you are golden.