PlusVeggie27

So Id like to go riding past my block more and today was the first time. Since bike trailers seem to be a little more "out" on the left side I have to be mindful and try to bike closer to the right. I need help with more confidence. My trailer is about 26 inches wide. A part of me wants to get the narrower trailer but I didnt get it in the first place because there was no open vent in the back and it allowed more weight. For now Im going steady and slow, and researching rear mirrors to help gve me some security. My main question is how do I guesstimate the width I need when riding. I dont want to be too close or too far from the curb.

chaadster

The width you need for what? All you need to do is keep as far right as practicable, and you may even have the right to full lane, but really, you don't need it.

Just watch the seam from the curb to the road surface that it doesn't grab your trailer wheel and cause scrubbing or rough transitions, and the keep an eye out for drain grates and the usual detritus and rough spots that make for rough rides.

So keep doing it, and you'll get used to it.

SonataInFSharp

You shouldn't be riding that close to the curb anyway, trailer or not, because riding that close to the side makes you much less visible to cars.

erg79

It's just something that you get used to with practice. I find that cars pass with much more space when I'm out riding with my kid in the trailer than when it's just me alone, no trailer.

A mirror could help out--plenty of people ride with them anyway. Also, you may want to think about putting on some visibility features on the back of the trailer--a big safety reflector, or a flag, etc.

bendembroski

I'm assuming you're talking about a kiddie trailer. If I were you, I'd try to go out without a kid back there and go for some longer rides along the routes you think you might want to take.

After a few trips, you'll get used to it pretty quickly. I'm on my 4th year trailer haulin' , and I've developed a sixth sense about exactly where the trailer is. It took about 2-3 months before it got second-nature though.

One other thing to consider. If you right too close to the curb, you are in a greater danger of flats. Lots of rubbish at the side of the road, and you can't dodge it like you can with your bike.

PlusVeggie27

I have a flag, and was thinking about adding more reflection. It has a reflector as well, Im still thinking of what else I can add. The bottom half is a reflective half already so Im happy about that feature. I cant go riding alone to try, its a great idea though. Im a stay at home mom, I have to go everywhere with my little traveler. I guess my initial inclination is to not be too far out so cars can pass but still mindful of the trailer. Only the roads in my area are narrow, once I get passed my area a bit, it widens up. Is there a location section in here? Id like to meet local parents with baby trailers that go riding.

PlusVeggie27

So practice, practice is what it looks like I have to do. So do you all have singles or doubles? I have a double with a 21 inch inside width and height. The single by the same company was 14 inches and 22 inches high. My son looks like he has maybe a year or two. He is 35 inches tall, probably 19 inches seat back.

bendembroski

Where are you located?

I'll just say that under 'normal' conditions I don't think that there is much likelyhood that a car is going to collide with the trailer from the rear. So, narrow roads (driven at say 30-40 MPH) are really only a problem in terms holding up traffic.

My trailer is a wiiiiide double, not sure of the exact dimensions. I'd say if you only have one kid a single makes way more sense. Less wieght, narrower, easier to store, etc.

PlusVeggie27

Im in NYC. Ill give this double a go and see before I sell it. Im always selling something, lol.

redeyedtreefr0g

While I don't normally haul children with my double trailer, the few times I took my friend's child with us, I was also much more nervous. I figured out that the trailer really wasn't all that much wider than my handlebars- which is to say that I don't want my bike or handlebars as close to whatever I'm passing than the trailer would be plenty safe to get by. Our bike path has wooden 4x4 posts stuck into the middle to keep cars off it and those scared me the most. Again- I have way more room to pass those posts than I need.

Yes, practice will make you more confident. Cars will generally give LOTS more room, even if it is very obvious that a child is exactly what you do not have in there. (lawn mower handle sticking out the back, or to-be-recycled soda can bags piled high without the canopy closed).

I was actually very disappointed when my friend got a child seat for her bike- her little girl loves it much better. I suppose because she is closer to her mommy. Oh well.

MNBikeCommuter

Yup, it just takes some practice and you'll get the feel for the width, and where the wheels track to avoid putting them through pot holes. The mirror would be a good purchase in general, but given the closeness of the trailer behind the bike, it might be of little use for seeing it.

Getting rear-ended by a vehicle is pretty far down on the list of causes of bike/car collisions. I never had any close encounters that I recall in the hundreds of miles toting my two kids around. Cars coming from the side streets and pulling out in front were more of a concern, given the added braking distance.

My sister used my trailer for her kids, and once misjudged the width of the trailer moving from the street to the sidewalk. One wheel caught the curb (rather than the ramp), and flipped the trailer. She was of course horrified immediately, but got off the bike and found her five year old laughing, fully secured in the straps, wanting to do it again...

chaadster

You'd probably enjoy a Kidical Mass ride. It's a great way to get out and ride and meet other cycling families, and to see the variety of gear out there, too. You'll learn new routes and be able to talk about experiences with others cycling like you do in your area. Look 'em up! Lots have groups on Facebook.

PlusVeggie27

Thanks everyone. Can anyone suggest a great mirror for my cruiser?

bdiamond

I wouldn't be that concerned with the width of the trailer as much as I would the length of it and the turning radius. Its pretty easy to cut someone off or clip a curb turning if you aren't paying attention. The trailer isn't that much wider than your handlebars. Once you get comfortable with it it'll be second nature. Make sure you kid wears a helmet and dont sweat it. They are pretty safe in there...