Being a dog owner means that you like spending time with Fluffy and if possible, taking it out wherever you go! The thing is, you go out mostly with a bike.
Dogs need regular exercise, and they enjoy the fresh air. Older pets might need some assistance in moving. Occasionally, they also need to see their vet, but your bike doesn’t seem very accommodating of a big dog.
These challenging situations can be sorted out with the right bike accessories. Here’s a list of the best dog accessories for bikes. Read on to find the right one for you and your dog.
Best Dog Leashes for Bikes
Letting your dog run beside your bike is a great way to keep it in shape. It’s also amazing that you could share a hobby and go out biking together.
When you go out for a ride, try to use a harness, not a collar, and start with shorter runs then increase gradually.
1. Walky Dog Plus Hands-Free Dog Bicycle Exerciser Leash
The Walky Dog Plus is a rugged dog leash you can attach to your bike, and take your dog out quickly and easily. The design focuses on maintaining a safe distance between the dog and the bike.
The reason for that is avoiding situations where the dog comes too close to the bike, wanders too far away, runs in front of it, or lags behind it. All of which are potentially risky situations.
You can install the leash in a few minutes. It comes with all the necessary tools, and once the bracket is in place, you can connect and disconnect the bar from the bicycle in a second.
You can also use the leash for regular walking when it’s not attached to the bike. It has a textured grip for extra control, which is always a plus, especially with energetic dogs.
This bicycle leash is excellent for medium to large dogs, but it could be a little too high for a short-legged dog. You can attach the bar to either side, but it might feel a little in the way while mounting the bike.
Overall it’s a great bike leash, with thoughtful safe design and high durability.
Pros
- TUV SUD Product Certification shows premium quality
- It keeps the dog at a safe distance
- Easy to install and disconnect
- The leash can be extended by about 6 inches
- Shock absorbing mechanism
- Left or right orientation
Cons
- It may not be comfortable for short-legged dogs
- The bar might impede mounting and dismounting the bike
2. Springer Dog Exerciser, Biking with Your Dog
This bicycle leash is about smooth safe riding. The Springer Dog Exerciser is designed to provide comfort to you and your pet, in addition to keeping you both safe. It’s sturdy enough to accommodate an energetic dog.
It’s easy to install, so you wouldn’t spend the whole day setting it up on your bike. Once the bracket is in place, you can swiftly connect and remove the bike leash. It provides some modifications in positioning to suit your riding style and your dog’s size.
You can install it easily, it needs just 3.5” of the axis height to attach the clamp, and you can vary the height to suit your dog and your pedaling style.
There’s a safety feature I appreciate; the quick release option lets you disconnect your dog right away if the leash catches on any obstacles during the bike ride.
If your dog is on the large side, and a bit more dynamic, this bicycle leash would be a perfect choice, it’s a bit pricey though, and you might need to be careful to maintain a safe distance with your dog.
Pros
- It can be placed left or right
- You can exercise two dogs at a time
- The arm can be placed, so it doesn’t scrape the legs
- It’s suitable for strong and energetic dogs
- The spring absorbs up to 90% of the dog’s tug
Cons
- The height adapter is sold separately
- The dog could come too close to the bike
- It’s a bit expensive
Best Dog Carriers for Bicycles
Carriers are a great way of taking a little dog out for some fresh air, exercise or because both of you need to go somewhere on a bike ride.
Back or front bicycle carriers are best suited for quiet small dogs weighing 10-30 pounds. Some pets might be overwhelmed by the ride, so take it slow.
3. Petsfit Dog Bike Basket
This carrier is as cute as the little dog you intend to take along on a bike ride. The Petsfit Dog Bike Basket has a built-in adjustable safety rope is tied to the pet’s collar and adjusted to an appropriate length according to the height of the pet;the upgraded version of the safety buckle is stronger;the top drawstring opening;the above designs can prevent Pet escape provides higher safety.
The carrier can be used as a front basket for bike, can be used as a shoulder bag, can be put on the car as a car bag, There’s front pocket to use this dog carrier depending on your needs.
It’s capable of carrying a 15 lb dog, and that kind of carrier is usually best mounted on the front handle bars, you can keep your eye on your dog the whole time, and you pet can enjoy the open view during the bike ride.
Pros
- It has a sturdy plywood base
- The padding provides comfort and safety for the pet
- The cover can be removed and washed
- The safety strap connects at three points
- It offers an open view for the dog
- It’s aesthetically pleasing
- It has a reflective strip for extra safety
Cons
- The safety strap might not restrain an excitable dog
- It’s not covered, so it’s not suitable for tough weather
4. Travelin K9 2019 Pet-Pilot Wicker MAX
The Travelin K9 is a pretty looking bicycle carrier with the wicker basket and the tiny shade. It has more than looks though, with its sturdy frame and safety features.
This bike carrier is about 10 by 13 inches, with a height of about 8 ½ inches uncovered. Adding the sun cover gives your dog around 15 ½ inches of free space. This fits a little dog weighing anywhere from 10 to 22 pounds.
The basket is padded from the inside. It has a separate top cover to shade your dog or remove it to give your dog a full view.
We already covered the comfort part, now let’s talk about safety features. The frame is quite sturdy, so there’s no wiggle to frighten your pet, and there’s a safety strap that attaches at two points and connects with the dog’s harness for optimal stabilization during the bike ride.
Pros
- It’s mounted on the front rack where you can watch your dog
- It’s visually pleasing
- The wicker basket is breathable
- The lining is padded and soft to keep your dog comfortable
- It has an adjustable safety belt that connects at two points
- It has a removable protective top cover
Cons
- Installing the frame and the mounting components could be a bit tricky
- The top cover isn’t secured solidly in place
Best Dog Trailers for Bikes
Dog trailers are versatile. They come in handy if your dog needs assistance in moving if it’s too big for a carrier, or it gets agitated from bike rides.
They’re not convenient for tall or long dogs, but they’re perfect for medium-sized ones.
5. Schwinn Rascal Bike Dog Trailer, Carrier for Small and Large Pets
Unique folding frame and quick release wheels allow for easy and compact storage and transport, with the frame made from steel
Coupler effortlessly attaches to nearly any bicycle, enhancing versatility, while the rim is made of aluminum, and the air-filled tires can be inflated using a standard bicycle wheel pump
The Schwinn Rascal Bike Dog Trailer is a lightweight dog trailer with bright colors and multiple uses. It’s made from Aluminum, with about 26 pounds of weight overall, and that’s why it wouldn’t be an extra load as you tag your dog along.
Comfort is essential when you take your dog on a bike ride, that’s why the trailer has a headrest at the front, and screened openings, so it can enjoy the surroundings while being protected from the sun or rain.
Rear doggy door for easy entrance and exit, 16-inch aluminum rims, air-filled tires, and an adjustable bug screen.
It can be used as a stroller by adding an optional kit, you can use it for extra storage on camping trips, and your dog can sleep in it during picnics.
Pros
- It’s lightweight so it wouldn’t overload your bike
- It has good cushioning for your pet’s comfort
- It has a window on the side with a zipper
- It’s well-covered so your dog is protected from the weather
- There’s a reflective strip on the back
- It has a pouch for bottled water or other stuff
Cons
- It’s quite expensive
- Its height is a bit low for long-legged dogs
Final Thoughts
I hope this list of the best dog accessories for bikes has helped you in picking the right one for your pet.
You and your dog should be comfortable and safe, so consider your dog’s temperament, size, and fitness, and make sure that the accessory you use is compatible with your bike and pedaling style.
Check with the vet before taking your dog to run beside your bike, and start with short forays then gradually increase your ride.
Choose quieter less cluttered roads, and use a harness, it’s easier for your dog. Be safe, comfortable, and enjoy the bike ride with your lovely pet.
Resources
- The right exercise for your dog from PDSA
- 5 reasons to get outdoors with your dog from Animal Wellness Magazine