If you have a dog, you probably want it with you everywhere, and a lot of your trips happen on two wheels.
Dogs need steady exercise and they love being outside. An older dog might need a hand getting around, and there are vet trips to make, none of which a bike handles well for a bigger animal.
The right bike gear solves most of this. Below is a rundown of the best dog accessories for bikes, so read on and find the one that fits you and your dog.
Best Dog Leashes for Bikes
Letting your dog trot beside the bike keeps him fit, and there’s something good about sharing the ride instead of leaving him home.
Use a harness rather than a collar, and build up slowly, short runs first, longer ones once he’s used to it.
1. Walky Dog Plus Hands-Free Dog Bicycle Exerciser Leash
Walky Dog Leash Bike Attachment
The Walky dog plus Lets you walk your dog and ride your bike at the same time. Length of Leash is Adjustable. Add 6.5 Inches by taking out 2 springs inside the Steel Wand that will allow extra leash length.
The Walky Dog Plus is a tough leash that bolts to your bike so you can head out with the dog in seconds. The whole design exists to hold a safe gap between him and the wheels.
That gap matters. It stops your dog from drifting under the bike, straying too far, cutting in front, or dragging behind, all of which can end badly.
Mounting it takes a few minutes and the tools come in the box. Once the bracket is on, the bar clicks on and off in a second.
Off the bike it works as a normal walking leash too. The textured grip gives you a little more control, which you’ll want with a high-energy dog.
This bicycle leash is excellent for medium to large dogs, though it can sit a touch high for a short-legged dog. The bar mounts on either side, but it may get in your way as you swing a leg over.
All told it’s a solid bike leash, well thought out and built to last.
Short on time? Jump straight to the Crash-tested car seat-belt harness
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
Springer Hands Free Dog Leash Bike Attachment Kit
Biking with Your Buddy: The Springer Dog Exerciser is a hands free dog leash bike attachment that allows you to safely ride a bicycle with your pet while they run or walk alongside you
This one is all about a smooth, safe ride. The Springer Dog Exerciser was made to keep you and your dog comfortable as well as safe. It’s sturdy enough for a dog that pulls hard.
Setup won’t eat your afternoon. With the bracket on, the leash snaps on and off fast, and you can shift its position to suit your riding style and your dog’s size.
The clamp needs only 3.5 inches of axle height, and you can adjust how high it sits to match your dog and how you pedal.
One feature I really like is the quick release, which lets you free your dog instantly if the leash snags on something mid-ride.
For a larger, livelier dog this leash is a great pick. It does cost more than most, and you’ll want to mind the distance to 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
A carrier is the easy way to bring a small dog along for air, exercise, or just because you both need to be somewhere.
Front or rear carriers suit calm little dogs in the 10 to 30 pound range. The ride rattles some dogs, so ease into it.
3. Petsfit Dog Bike Basket
It 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.
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 safety rope that clips to your dog’s collar and adjusts to his height. The upgraded buckle holds tighter, and the drawstring top closes things off, so a determined dog can’t bail out mid-ride.
It pulls double duty as a front bike basket, a shoulder bag, or a car bag, and the front pocket holds the small stuff.
It carries a dog up to 15 pounds and rides best on the front handlebars. You keep an eye on him the whole way, and he gets the open view.
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
Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot MAX Wicker Bike Basket
Superior Quality Steel Frame with durable, breathable woven Resin Wicker. The MAX Wicker Bike Basket system resists odors and moisture and includes 2 Safety Leashes | Clever latching system for quick and easy basket attachment | Removable wire containment top with integrated sunshade | Thick, padded foam floor | Plush black removable liner – comfortable and washable
The Travelin K9 is a good-looking carrier with its wicker basket and little sunshade. There’s substance under the looks too, a sturdy frame and real safety features.
The basket runs roughly 10 by 13 inches and about 8 ½ inches deep uncovered. With the sun cover on, your dog gets around 15 ½ inches of headroom. It fits a small dog of 10 to 22 pounds.
It’s padded inside, and the top cover comes off, so you can shade your dog or open things up for the view.
Comfort aside, the safety side holds up. The frame barely wiggles, so nothing spooks your dog, and a two-point strap ties into his harness to keep him steady.
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
Trailers are the flexible option. They earn their keep when your dog needs help getting around, won’t fit a carrier, or gets rattled by the ride.
Tall or long dogs are an awkward fit, but a medium dog rides comfortably.
5. Schwinn Rascal Bike Dog Trailer, Carrier for Small and Large Pets
Schwinn Rascal Bike Dog Trailer, Carrier for Small and Large Pets
Maximize pet safety and comfort while taking your fuzzy friend on a bike ride, can hold one pet up to 50 lbs 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 light, brightly colored trailer that pulls several jobs. The aluminum build keeps it around 26 pounds total, so it won’t weigh you down with the dog aboard.
Comfort counts on a longer ride, so the trailer adds a front headrest and screened openings. Your dog watches the world go by while the screen keeps off sun and rain.
You also get a rear door for easy in and out, 16-inch aluminum rims, air-filled tires, and an adjustable bug screen.
Add the optional kit and it becomes a stroller. It hauls extra gear on camping trips, and your dog can nap in it during a picnic.
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
Hopefully this run through the best dog accessories for bikes points you toward the right pick for your dog.
You both need to be safe and at ease, so weigh your dog’s temperament, size, and fitness, and check that whatever you choose actually works with your bike and your pedaling.
Clear it with your vet before your dog runs alongside the bike, and start with short outings before stretching them out.
Stick to quieter, emptier roads and use a harness, it’s kinder on your dog. Stay safe, stay comfortable, and enjoy the ride together.
Resources
- The right exercise for your dog from PDSA
- 5 reasons to get outdoors with your dog from Animal Wellness Magazine