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Dog bike trailers and carriers have huge appeal for cycling pet parents: they’re an easy way to bring your dog with you on your next bike ride. But are they really safe to use—and how can you know if your pup is a good fit for a bike-riding adventure?
To answer these questions, we asked Dr. Megan Conrad, a licensed veterinarian at Hello Ralphie and an avid outdoor enthusiast and hiker. Together, we take a closer look at bike trailers, baskets, and carriers—and what pet parents should know before they buy.
How Bike Trailers, Carriers, and Backpacks Work
The pet market is full of ways to bring your dog along on your next bike ride.
Bike trailers are the friendliest to big dogs and cyclists who don’t like to ride with their body or handlebars encumbered. These well-ventilated soft crates on wheels are lower to the ground and partially or fully enclosed, keeping your dog securely fastened so they can’t jump out. They also provide ventilation and shade to keep your dog from overheating.
This foldable dog bike trailer from Schwinn can hold dogs up to 100 pounds and comes with an internal tether for safety.
Best suited for smaller breeds, bike carriers and baskets are attachments you can add to your bike’s handlebar or handlebar stem. The safest options are fully enclosed or have leash attachments, like the Barkbay Dog Bike Basket. Some baskets also double as carriers with shoulder attachments.
For pet parents doing a mix of walking and riding, there are dog backpacks. Options like the Muttmover Dog Backpack have solid bottom and enough space for your pup to lay down—plus enough airflow to keep both you and your pup cool.
If your dog wants to run alongside you instead of in an enclosed carrier, you can look into attaching a leash or tow to your bike so your doggo can run beside you. While it’s a fun way to exercise with your pup, it’s also a more advanced option that will likely require a blend of the right temperament, fitness level, and training.
A sturdy option, the Bike Toe Leash fits dogs between 10 to 185 pounds.
For more options, check out “The 10 Best Dog Bike Trailers, Carriers, and Baskets.”
What the Experts Say About Dog Bike Trailers and Carriers
So are bike trailers, carriers, and backpacks safe?
Ultimately, it depends on your dog. According to Dr. Conrad, it’s important to consider your dog’s breed, size, and age when deciding whether or not to bring them along for a bike ride. For overall safety, bike trailers are usually the best bet because they’re enclosed and lower to the ground, which helps prevent your dog from hurting themselves if they jump out or your bike accidentally tips over.
When choosing a basket, carrier, or backpack for your dog, Dr. Conrad says to select an enclosed style to prevent your dog from jumping out while biking. She also notes that baskets, carriers, and backpacks tend to provide the least sun protection, so it’s best to leave your pup at home when it’s hot outside so they don’t risk overheating.
While leash attachments, like the non-tangle Bike Tow Leash, can be safe if used appropriately, some dog breeds should not be taught to run along beside you. “Brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Frenchies are not athletic, so you will not want to have them run beside your bike,” cautions Dr. Conrad.
“They are prone to breathing issues as well as heat stroke, so riding in a well-ventilated bike trailer that provides shade is the safest way for them to tag along.” She also notes other small dog breeds and dogs under a year old should not be taken out on runs with bike leash attachments.
Overall, you both should be having fun while being safe. Dr. Conrad emphasizes slowly easing your dog into bike rides and watching their body language to ensure they’re having a good time.
AleksandarNakic via iStock
“However your dog joins you on bike rides, pay close attention to how they are behaving,” she says. “If your dog seems nervous about the bike, you can encourage them with treats to make the ride a positive experience. Start with short rides and gradually work your way up to longer trips to allow your dog to get used to riding with you or to build their stamina.”
And no matter what you choose, take frequent water breaks to keep you and your dog hydrated.
The Final Verdict: Are Dog Bike Trailers and Carriers Safe?
So is it safe to bike with your dog using a trailer, carrier, or backpack? That depends! While dog bike trailers tend to be the safest option because they’re enclosed and lower to the ground, you’ll want to double-check size and weight restrictions to make sure your dog can safely cruise along with you.
As for carriers and baskets, these have weight restrictions and are often best for smaller breeds. While some can carry pups up to 20 pounds, others have lower weight limitations, so it’s important to check before going out for a ride together.
Dog backpacks are also a safe option if you’re an experienced biker. Choose a hard-bottomed, dog-safe pack that maximizes comfort for you and your pup. You’ll also want to ensure it has proper air ventilation—backpacks with mesh fabric are a nice choice in the summer.
A happy Oscar lounges in the Kurgo G-Train Dog Backpack.
How We Chose Our Dog Bike Trailers and Carriers
The dog bike trailers and carriers featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts, including Rover’s Dog People Panel. We selected products based on safety and durability.
We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
