Utility Cycling With Children

Electric Bike Lady with three passengers

The Manchester Cargo Bike has been spotted again. I haven't seen it for a while and was a little concerned it was broken or the battery was flat when I did spy it recently. The Electric Bike Lady was pushing it along the pavement with at least three kids on board. Of course, I then realised she was going a la pedestrian because it was a one way street in the opposing direction and she was being legal - Doh!

It does makes me want to live just a bit further away from the Golden Child's school, so I can get her into a great regular habit rather than just the occasional fun cycling we currently enjoy. I wouldn't need an electric cargo bike but would use the tagalong. However, as we are only a five minute door to door walk (via a pedestrian area) from school there is really no need to cycle there at present.

I do have plans for some 'utility' cycling with her. The weekly trips to Rainbows, the dance class and her cousins house are all within a three mile distance and so when I'm ferrying her I'll aim to cycle. I'm confident she will not be put off by the traffic along the quiet(ish) roads needed for these trips. She is quite excited by the prospect and even the OH approves (she'll still use the car when its her turn!).

I've had the tagalong down the LBS where a longer mudguard and road tyre were fitted for the exorbitant sum of £8.00! Last night I attached a decent rear light and rear reflector (harder than you might think given the lack of exposed seat post and small seat stays). I've also moved the mounting bracket from the MTB and fitted it to the Travelmaster instead.

We now have the benefit of full mudguards, dynamo lighting, bell, propstand and pannier provision. Of course the gearing will be just a capable as the MTB. I need to look at some appropriate clothing for the Golden Child as we will be out in the dark and cold +/- wet for the next few months. I don't want her to be uncomfortable or put off cycling by the experience.

Next plan? A trailer to do the big grocery shop rather than use the car? Still working on the OH for that one!

Carry Freedom Trailer

Manchester Cargo Bike Again

Came across the Manchester Cargo Bike again yesterday. I was on my way to work and the cyclist + passengers were waiting at red traffic lights so the resulting chat was short. It transpires the bike was imported from Copenhagen and is the only one in Manchester - the only one of its type anyway as it is an...electric bike.

It was lovely to see it on the streets of Prestwich/Salford. Somehow I don't see them replacing a vast number of cars on UK roads (not without the infrastructure at least) but I think there are going to be more variations on the eBike and cargobike themes around in the future. This lady obviously found it very useful having the electric assist on the local hills with her two kids on board. She has also gone to the trouble of importing the bike and makes regular use of it around the locale. Far more environmentally friendly than using a car for local trips me thinks.

I would love to know some more details about its practicalities, cost to run and maintain, and the reactions it creates. So, Electric Bike Lady, if you are reading this I would love to have a longer chat. You can me email via my profile page. Hope to speak again.

Manchester Cargo Bike

Anyway, on to something less morbid instead. 

I never thought I would see a 'cargo bike' with child on the streets of Manchester but here it is. If I see it again I will try to get some better footage and will even attempt to find out about the practicalities of its use on the tough streets of a not very cycle friendly city.