They are an important car-free tool. Getting any load anywhere becomes a most seductive feeling. They make for one less excuse to drive a car. They are easy to pull -- the drag is hardly noticeable unless you're going up a hill or you're trying to race. They spell independence. Your bike won't feel like a tank. They make you feel proud as your load sings along happily behind you. They help you feel invincible. Motorists give you more respect and a wider berth when passing you since they think you're working as hard as they are. You don't need racks, baskets, panniers, or special bags to be able to move things around. Heavy duty rear wheels are not necessary on the bike itself to ward off possible spoke breakage. Pulling one makes you a stronger rider. With a trailer, around town riding can make for great training. When not using one, your performance bike remains a performance bike. Some can be used as a place to transport paperwork, dry clothes or a briefcase computer when it rains. They're super FUN!!
AND
You're SAFER when you ride with one because:
They don't upset the handling characteristics of your bike. You don't have to fight your bike with the subtle steering microadjustments that are needed when you make any bike carry the weight. Weight that you might have been carrying on your back does not raise your center of gravity to dangerous levels
AND
They Have Many Uses With or Without a Bike:
Can bring your dog places with you. Many can haul kids around. Some double as baby joggers. In some trailers, you can even put your small children in them, along with their bikes, when they get tired of riding them with you. Can buy larger items, anything that you can fit in the back seat of a car (such as garage sale purchases, dog food, many appliances, broken bikes, bike parts, car parts, small furniture, etc.), and move those things from place to place with your bike. Great for grocery shopping (most can carry three or four full shopping bags). Great for camping or cross country touring. Great for deliveries. Great for transporting plants, small trees and garden supplies. Great for laundry trips if your machine is broken or if you don't have one. Great for trips to the beach, or picnics in the park (carry an umbrella, ice chest, towels, folding chairs, even compact folding tables, etc.). Moving wood, tools, etc. around big yards. Their many uses are only limited by your imagination
Martin Krieg
Trailer Owner since 1983
Trailer TransAm 1986
These trailer manufacturers support both a more car-free lifestyle and the National Bicycle Greenway:
