I've been thinking about taking the plunge and going from year-round commuter to hard-core utility cyclist But, investing time/effort/skill/money in a proper utility trailer is a bit intimidating. It's not like they're for sale at my LBS! I don't think I'll ever be 'car free' (my husband likes having a car, and sometimes, so do I), so my utility trailer would probably mostly only be used for light shopping, or maybe a picnic bike excursion. I've been thinking about getting the Bell child-trailer, and maybe doing a little customizing as needed... reasonable? How do utility trailers affect cornering?

I, too, like the idea of giving motorists a little food for thought as they barrel along. I'm a mid-thirties woman, just the sort who WOULD be towing kids, and I'm pretty comfortable taking the lane and riding in heavier traffic.... just the sort of thing not many people with kids in the trailer would ever do (and probably, rightfully so). However, I'd at least be memorable out there as the 'idiot', so hopefully motorists would realize there can be bicycles where you might not expect... and drive with a little more care. A girl can dream.