Photo courtesy Madsen Cycles
Photo courtesy Madsen Cycles

Anyone who has sat in Boston traffic for any length of time has probably pondered alternate transport. But transporting the entire family on bike? Is it even possible?

Of course! Why not cycle?! Drop-off could be stress free as you take the back streets and avoid the morning rush. It’s just you and your kids cruising the streets. There are some really cool ways to get around the city by bike. Here, in my humble opinion, are the best ways to do it. 

Madsen Cycles

Out of Utah, these “bucket bikes” are at the apex of cool in my book. They come in a variety of colors, and if you’re choosing this as your second mode of transport, $2,000 is a mild sum compared to the expense of a second car. Currently, you can only order direct from Madsen, so you can’t try them out locally. But those are minor details. This bike fits four kids, people! Four! Pick-up and drop-off are suddenly looking way more appealing.

Babboe and Bakfiets

This is the original cargo bike. The minivan of the Netherlands. If you can appreciate classic anything, then you’ll appreciate this classic Dutch mode of transport. When my son was 3 months old we traveled to Amsterdam and spent three dreamy weeks exploring the city on foot and on bike. The Dutch, as with many things, have it all figured out. I watched in amazement as moms and dads would transport their kids around on cargo bikes with ease and finesse. Freedom three months postpartum was once again mine.

Yuba Bikes and Xtracycle

I mean, these are pretty great. And if this video doesn’t convince you, then I don’t know what will. 

cargo bikes - Boston Moms Blog
Photo Courtesy www.fitzandfollwell.co

Thule Yepp bike seat

My husband and I both have these bike seats on the back on our bikes, and they are fabulous. They’re low-profile, super safe, and very comfortable for longer rides. LOVE them.

Ride-along trailers

There comes a time when you want to do longer rides, but your kids may or may not be able to keep up. Or you’re not comfortable with them biking in traffic. A ride-along trailer can be pretty amazing in that it helps build up their tolerance for longer rides and gets them confident riding on the street. Check out the Burley Piccolo and the FollowMe tandem (a particularly interesting option).

We are a bike family. My husband bikes to and from work everyday, roundtrip about 10 miles. I purchased my first Electra exactly 10 years ago and it ranks up there with the happiest moment of my life. When we were able to mount our kids on the back of our bikes, I felt like a more complete version of myself. Cycling is freedom and fitness and a sensible way to get around. Do it — you won’t regret it.

cargo bikes - Boston Moms Blog

Most of the options mentioned here are available in the Boston area and can be found at Bicycle Belle in Somerville, Ferris Wheel in Jamaica Plain, or Cambridge Bicycle, unless otherwise noted.