Blame it on the fact that I’ve spotted a certain neighborhood celebrity twice this week cruising around the block on her very sweet ride, complete with toddler seat and saddlebags. Or that more generally, the dip in temperatures means that everyone in Brooklyn with a bike and a baby seems to be out for a joyride. I’ve got biking with a baby on the brain.
Herewith, a little make-believe of what Faye and I would sport on autumnal ridesx around the neighborhood.
1. Fabulous sunglasses because, why not?
2. A fancy popcorn sweater for me.
3. And a popcorn sweater for Faye, too.
4. A scarf to keep my neck warm.
5. And a tinier scarf for Faye.
6. A wooden camera to occupy a budding photographer in the passenger seat. (In make-believe it wouldn’t go overboard.)
7. A crossover bag sized just right for cellphone, wallet, and keys.
8. A bike with sufficiently wide handlebars.
9. Roll-up saddle bags.
10. A classic bell for entertainment and safety.
11. A baby seat to go up front.
12. A celestial bike helmet for a tiny noggin.
13. And a slightly more subdued bike helmet for a bigger one.
14. A rear tire rack.
15. And a bike seat upgrade, because why not?
More make-believe RIGHT HERE.
11 Comments
Just a note of caution: baby seats that go in the front are significantly more dangerous than those that go behind the parent. As a cyclist, you are more likely to go up and over your handlebars if a) you try to stop too fast, b) someone opens their door in front of you, c) someone walks in front of you, d) you misjudge a turn, e) the pavement is slick with water or other gunk, etc etc. Putting children behind you instead of in front keeps them far safer in nearly every accident scenario. I would urge readers to really research the best kind of solution to bring their child on a bike with them and think about opting for a rear seat or trailer instead. Most reviews of child safety in front seats were conducted in suburban or rural environments, which have far fewer safety risks than a densely populated urban area like your neighborhood.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2009/05/bicycle-seats-vs-bike-trailers-for-children/index.htm
http://www.tomsarazac.com/tom/opinions/childcarriers.html
those front seats are actually illegal here in Austria – the seat has to be behind the driver.
love your blog, greetings from Salzburg 🙂
You and Faye would totally rock that in your neighborhood 😉
I used to live in Brooklyn, next to Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams and baby Mathilda at that time…. ah, memories. Love that lowkey vibe of that area though!
A lovely fall collage – Thanks for including the wooden camera from Brimful!
Oh how I love this. I live in a decidedly NOT bike friendly town, and it makes me sad, because there are so many placed I would bike if I didn't fear for my life. There's definitely no way I could add my kids on to my bike, as much as I would love to!
My husband has that pannier and it rocks. I have The Sac and am equally as happy about it. The only concern I have about both is they discolour quite rapidly if left in the sun (I.e. if your bike is stored outside when at home). I like that both bags can be locked to the back rack and they are coated so stuff is protected from the rain. I upgraded the carrying strap on The Sac to something with more shoulder cushioning (new strap is from Mountain Equipment Co-op). Sabina
I love that bell!
That little wooden camera is adorable.
this list is adorable! makes me want a lil tot to bike around with – one day!
I've been lusting after that Linus bike for ages; good choice. 🙂
Oh! I have a Linus (the Dutchi-3 style) and I love it! It’s a really nice and comfortable bicycle. I prefer the step through since I have very short legs, but the straight top bar is nice for some accessories! I vote for rear infant seat, too – I have only the Linus wire basket on the front of my bicycle, and I seldom put more up there than a small purse or jacket/scarf because it does drastically affect steering with any weight up front.
I’m looking forward to cycling again soon, too. It has finally cooled down in the Midwest. I just had twins in late June, and I’m just starting to feel like I’m ready to get active again. I am planning to get a trailer for them for use in the spring when they have better head control!
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