Pulling a Kid Trailer Can Keep You Safer - Even With No Kids Inside

Several people I know have found that pulling a trailer with flag like you'd haul kids in behind their bike makes cars seem to pass them more slowly and give them a wider berth, even with no kids inside. My brother hauls his dog around in one of those carts; another guy just uses his for cargo. Both have found that drivers seem more cautious when they are out pulling the cart.

Who knows why this is. Maybe it's the curiousity factor. Most people like kids and want to see those little people riding along and having fun. Or the sight of a dog hanging his doggy face out the side of the cart certainly draws attention. Whatever, it's a good thing. For safety and visibility (and the convenience of being able to haul big stuff, like lots of groceries, a TV or a keg of beer) consider pulling a cart behind you wherever you go, even if you don't have kids. For extra realism, you can even put a little mannequin in the back of your cart with a wig on. And like someone advised me, just don't stack stuff on top of it.

Here's a blog post on the topic from Eric Ryberg, a lawyer in Tucson who frequently represents cyclists.

Think there's anything to this? Comment below.

Image: Solvit Products, Inc.