I'm looking forward to doing lots of things with Livi over the coming months, years, decades, etc. Can't wait for her first surf, ski, trip to Azerbaijan, million that she makes as a baby model to totally support her loving parents, and so on. But one of the things I'm most looking forward to is going on bike rides with her! How to take an infant who can't walk yet let alone pedal around town you may ask? This is a question that has plagued bike enthusiasts around the globe for centuries. Here's what some much smarter than I have come up with as some possible cycle transport systems.
The Dutch have set the gold standard for all things bike related. Sure, when it comes to footwear they still have a long ways to go (really, shoes made out of wood?), but when you need to tote anything from a few kids to a few kegs nothing beats a Bakfiets - a traditional Dutch cargo cycle.
From mydutchbike.com
They have also come up with a truly revolutionary bike-stroller thing called a Taga. Part Transformer, part tricycle, 100% awesomeness. Just check out what you can do with this thing in a mere 20 seconds:
Too bad they aren't shipping them to the US anymore. May be worth a trip to The Netherlands.
The US knock-off of it is cool, but a far cry from its European counterpart. It's called a Zigo, and it can certainly get you and your little one around town. I like how you have the choice to ditch the stroller and kid and just take off on the bike!
From myzigo.com
In terms of bikes, Oregon (Portland in particular) seems to be the Holland of the US. Lots of creative and innovative models coming out of that region. They do some domestic Bakfiets, but you can also get some crazy triple, even quad bikes! Do they look silly? Indeed, but let's face it, all these bikes do. Don't be the person in front though - you have no idea if those behind you are actually pedaling.
A triple from Co-Motion. Watch out for the wide turns with this thing.
And for a mere $6K this too can be yours!
But right around the corner from us in Emeryville, CA you can get any bike outfitted with an XtraCycle! Purchase one of their stock models, or convert your old beat up bike into a cargo hauler with their conversion kit. May be the most economical way to go. Great for hauling the kid, the spouse, and in this case, the dog too.
This is Big Dummy by Surly (it's the actual name of the bike and does not refer to the dude in the front. He and the lady in back should be wearing helmets. Bad parenting.
And if you live in the mountains, or above the Arctic Circle, or encounter a freak blizzard while out for a ride, fear not! Pop off the wheels of your Chariot trailer and pop on your skis.
"Um, dad, can you ski a little faster? It's getting chilly back here."
So many options! It can get really complicated and confusing. In the end, we may just ditch the bicycle idea, get a moped instead, and go Asian family style.
"Hop on board! We've got room in the front for a few more."
