Jun 24, 2025

How to Ride a Bike with a Dog: Complete Guide

Riding a bike with your dog is a beneficial experience for both you and your canine companion. Besides being an efficient physical exercise, it provides powerful mental stimulation, reduces stress, fosters emotional stability, and strengthens your bond, making you and your furry friend happier. But how to ride a bike with a dog to keep each trip safe, fun, and comfortable for everyone? This guide covers everything you should know to make the most out of cycling with your pet.

Choosing the Right Bike for Riding with a Dog

Choosing the right type of bike can make a big difference in the overall riding experience. Let’s consider the pros and cons of some of the most popular options for taking dogs cycling.

Cargo Bike

Cargo bikes are a universal option for those seeking the utmost convenience when carrying heavy loads. These cycles typically have three wheels and a cargo box, which makes them ideal for bike rides with dogs, children, and other family members, as well as transporting groceries and equipment. Ferla offers several cargo bicycles designed according to the highest safety and quality standards. Here are their key strengths and weaknesses you should know about:

Pros:

Durable bamboo boxes with increased capacity
High-performance motor and battery units
Enhanced bike stability for smooth rides
Lightweight yet robust materials
Availability of useful accessories for convenient bike riding with your dog (water and dust proof mat, fully enclosed sun & rain canopy, lockable storage compartment, etc.)

Cons:

Require more storage space
More difficult to transport by other means

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Cargo Bike Road Trips

Cruiser

Cruiser bicycles are designed for casual riding in urban environments, typically at low or moderate speeds. They are known for a convenient upright riding position, wide handlebars, and a large saddle, allowing the rider to feel relaxed during trips. Compare the pros and cons of cruisers to determine if it can be your best bike to ride with a dog:

Pros:

May be used for carrying your pet in a small front basket or a dog trailer
Ergonomic frame design reduces strain on your back and neck
Perfect for leisure rides on flat terrain

Cons:

Not suitable for riding at higher speeds
Cannot handle rough terrain
Climbing hills may be challenging if a bike has a small gear range and comes without pedal assist

Mountain Bike

Mountain bicycles aim to make cycling in nature as smooth as possible. Thanks to their wide tires, stronger frame materials, and enhanced suspension, MTBs can handle unpaved surfaces much easier than regular cycles. These are the advantages and disadvantages of MTBs for bicycle riding with a dog:

Pros:

Convenient for cycling on bumpy or uneven terrain
Great for active dogs
Easy control and good braking power
Compatible with dog baskets and trailers

Cons:

Heavier than other bicycles
Require more maintenance

Ways to Ride a Bike with a Dog

Dogs may be good cycling companions, but it’s important to adapt your riding style to the needs and abilities of your furry friend. The following options will help you choose the best way to ride a bike with your dog:

Dog running alongside the bike: it’s a great form of exercise for larger, more active breeds. When choosing this option for bicycle riding with your dog, you will need to set the right pace to make it comfortable for the pet to accompany you. Plus, take breaks during your rides and watch out for potential dangers that can harm your dog along the way.
Using a dog bike leash attachment: a specialized bike leash is a versatile accessory that attaches directly to the bicycle and helps keep your pet further from the wheels. It provides additional safety during rides, as you no longer need to use your hands to hold the leash.
Riding a bike with a small dog in a basket: the option suits smaller breeds that cannot run alongside a bike because of their physiques or health conditions. Modern dog baskets can be mounted to the back or front rack of your bicycle, and some of them also come with a wire covering to prevent the dog from falling out. Please note that you may need some time to get used to cycling with your pet in a basket since additional weight affects the bicycle’s handling.
Dog in a bike trailer: dog trailers are attached to the rear wheel and typically have enough space for bike riding with 2 dogs (depending on their size). However, trailers increase a bicycle's weight, length, and turning radius, which takes a while to adjust to. Choose this option only if you are sure your dog will like it, as some pets feel abandoned or isolated in trailers.
Riding your bike with a dog in a cargo box: this is the best way to ride a bike with a dog, irrespective of the size and weight of your furry companion. In a spacious cargo box, dogs can enjoy the wind in their fur, stretch out, and stay close to their favorite human for direct interaction. The option also works well for bike riding with multiple dogs, be it a long off-the-road adventure or a short city ride.

Training Your Dog for Bicycle Rides

Just like for humans, getting used to some new experiences may be a bit scary for dogs. Therefore, we prepared some tips to help you make the process stress-free:

Introduce your dog to the bicycle when it’s motionless and give them time to explore it.
Walk with your furry friend alongside the bike so that they get used to its sound and move.
Avoid training your dog in crowded or noisy locations with many distractions.
Teach your pet to execute commands (at least the basic ones).
When you start riding a bicycle with your dog, do this slowly in a safe environment.
Reward your dog for good behavior with their favorite treats.

How to Safely Ride a Bike with Your Dog

When it comes to riding a bike with a dog, safety is everything. Since you are fully responsible for everything that happens during your trips, you should know how to protect your four-legged friend properly. Expert recommendations for safe bike riding with dogs include:

Checking weather conditions: dogs are more susceptible to extreme heat than humans. So, avoid cycling when the temperature is high, as your pet may overheat or burn their paw pads.
Understanding your dog’s limits: do not go crazy fast or crazy long when you ride a bike with the dog. Some dogs can run 5 miles, while others cannot even handle a mile. So be aware of that. If your furry companion is not ready, it’s better to stop.
Choosing safe routes: opt for local parks and trails that allow riding bikes with dogs. You should also avoid high-traffic areas with lots of people and cars. In summer, ride in shaded locations (better near rivers or lakes so that your dog can cool off in water).
Keeping your dog hydrated: dogs need plenty of water during physical activities, especially in warm weather. Hence, always bring a bottle of clean, fresh water for your pet and make frequent breaks so the dog can drink.
Never forcing your pet: not all dogs find cycling pleasurable. If you notice the signs of anxiety or fear in your furry friend, do not force them to accompany you during rides. There are so many activities you can do together – just find what makes both of you happy.

Legal Considerations

Is it legal to ride a bike with a dog? The short answer is yes. However, you should still follow the laws and regulations for cycling with pets that apply in your area. The list often includes:

Leash laws stating that a dog must be leashed in public spaces
Traffic laws requiring cyclists to follow the same rules as cars
Animal welfare laws that prohibit overexerting pets and exposing them to dangerous conditions

Best Gear for Bicycle Riding with Dogs

No matter if you are set for riding a bike with a dog in a basket, trailer, or cargo box or want your canine companion to run alongside the cycle, it’s crucial to invest in the right gear to make each trip safe and comfortable. Consider the tips below:

When choosing a bike leash attachment, check if it’s durable and shock-absorbing.
Use a harness instead of a collar to keep your dog’s neck safe.
If possible, rent a bike before purchasing to make sure it suits you.
Get your dog a reflective vest and goggles (e.g., Rex Specs).
Check the weight limit of a dog basket or trailer to make sure it can hold your pet safely.

How to Handle Common Challenges and Dangers of Bike Riding with Dogs

Dealing with distractions: ride in low-distraction areas and use a bike leash attachment that prevents sudden pulling.
Preventing accidents and falls: inspect your bicycle before each trip and avoid riding at high speeds. Plus, do not go for bike rides with your dog in extreme heat or cold.
Managing two dogs while cycling: invest in a reliable cargo bike to keep your dogs safe and comfortable during rides. If you purchase a used tricycle, make sure it’s in good condition.

Conclusion

Riding a bicycle with your dog may be a memorable experience for both of you! It’s not that difficult if you understand the abilities and needs of your furry friend, gradually introduce them to the process, and have a suitable bike for exploring new terrains together. Keep safety in mind and treat each ride responsibly – the emotions you will get are definitely worth it!