Cycling with your dog is one of the best ways to combine exercise, bonding, stimulation, and outdoor exploration for you and your pooch. Whether you’re riding through a park, tackling forest trails, or commuting around town, riding a bike with your dog can be much safer and more enjoyable than it may initially seem.
So long as you prepare properly, you’re sure to enjoy all of the new adventures. Take a look at our top tips and essential accessories for safe dog walking – on two wheels!
Why cycle with your dog?
There are plenty of reasons why you might wish to bring your pooch along with you for a ride.
- It provides your dog with physical exercise, helping to maintain their health.
- You’re likely to cover more ground, ideal for larger or high-energy dogs.
- Changing environments and new smells offer rich mental stimulation, reducing stress and anxiety.
- It’s a bonding experience for both of you, creating lasting memories and trust.
Important pre-ride checks
Before you head out, it’s important you perform the final pre-ride inspections on your bike and dog. To make sure everyone enjoys a safe and fulfilling ride, there are a few steps you can take.
Preparing your bike
To ride safely, you’ll need to ensure your bike is in good condition and able to support you long-distance.
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- Inspect your bike for any immediate signs of damage, corrosion, or excessive wear.
- Check your tyre pressure, making sure they’re sufficiently inflated and free of punctures.
- Test your brakes, pedals, gears, and drivetrain.
- Grab your safety gear, particularly a helmet that fits properly and even hi-vis reflective gear.
Don’t forget that for peace of mind and a professional opinion, you can bring your bike along to your local Halfords store for our Free Bike Health Check. This straightforward 25-point inspection includes essential checks across your:
- Frame, saddle and handlebars.
- Wheels, tyres, rims, spokes and hubs.
- Brake system: levers, calipers, pads and cables.
- Drivetrain: gears, levers, chain, bottom bracket, cranks and cables.
- All e-bike electrical components for physical damage.
Preparing your pooch
Making sure your dog is ready is just as important as organising your bike. Factors include:
- Showing basic obedience and recall levels, responding to orders like sit, stay, and heel.
- Good manners when on the lead – for example, pulling heavily suggests you’ll struggle to cycle with them.
- Confidence and familiarity around bikes so they’re not startled or confused by the wheels, gears, etc.
- Dog’s health, including joint condition and mobility issues, age, energy level and stamina (often linked to breed), heat tolerance, and paw condition.
In addition to your bike and dog, consider cycling during cooler times of the day and avoiding very busy roads to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Choosing the right dog cycle equipment
1. M-PETS Autobrake Retractable Smart Leash
A risk of cycling with your dog is the chance that they could get distracted and pull you both towards a hazard. Whether it’s a passing pedestrian or a squirrel across the road, this autobrake smart leash automatically locks when your pet suddenly darts to keep everyone safe.
Similar to how a seatbelt works, cycle with peace of mind that you’re in control throughout the entire ride with this shock-absorbing dog leash.
2. Hamax Pluto Dog Trailer
If your pooch is a senior, has limited mobility, or is a puppy, the Hamax Pluto Dog Trailer is the perfect solution to keep them included on your next outing. Its features include:
- A low step-in and gravity point for accessibility and ease of use.
- Convenient, innovative folding for easy storage when not in use.
- A washable interior and safety hooks for their leash.
They’re also ideal if you prefer to travel by e-bike, as most dogs will struggle to naturally keep up with them across long distances.
A bike dog trailer keeps your pup comfortable, feeling safe and protects their paws from rough terrain, meaning they can enjoy the next adventure, even if they’re unable to run themselves.
2. Battersea Pet First Aid Kit
This 14-in-1 first aid kit for pets can handle any scrapes or minor injuries your pooch could pick up along the journey. Although with proper preparation your pet is likely to have a smooth, fun adventure, if the worst does happen, having some first aid on hand can reassure you both.
The first aid items include:
- Bandages.
- Antiseptic wipes.
- Scissors.
- Tweezers.
The lightweight bag also includes a belt handle, meaning you can attach it easily and carry it with you as you cycle. Be prepared for any situation – and always seek professional treatment if your pet picks up a more serious injury.
3. M-PETS Dog Raincoat
If you get caught out in cold or rainy weather, you should be nice and cosy in your cycling jacket, but your pet could be left out in the cold.
That’s why the M-PETS dog coat is perfect to keep them comfortable and dry with its wind and water-resistant fabric, without any movement restriction. The added reflective parts are great for safety, letting drivers spot your dog when it starts to get dark.
4. KONG H2O Water Bottle
Keep your pup hydrated on the go with the Kong 9.5oz Stainless Steel Bottle. A high-quality pet water bottle and BPA-free twist lid to keep your four-legged friend refreshed and energised throughout the bike ride.
Or if you’re heading out on a long-distance ride or have a bigger dog, upgrade to the 25oz Kong Insulated Bottle and offer them cool water, even during warm summer outings. And don’t forget a bike water bottle for yourself either!
5. Reflective Dog Collar
The intelligent, luminous material helps keep your pet safe during low light for extra visibility when cycling along the roads. With 360° reflective straps, your dog’s protected from every angle to keep them safe on every new adventure with the Battersea Reflective Dog Collar.
6. Pet travel accessories
If you’re going on a camping trip or weekend away with your dog and bike, our huge pet travel range can help you get there safely and comfortably. Between carriers and crates, to boot protectors and harnesses, keep your pooch secure and happy wherever you’re heading.
If you thoroughly assess your pooch’s ability and fitness beforehand, and prepare your bike and equipment, you’ll have a great experience adapted to suit your dog. Cycling with your pet is a great way to keep active and bond, enjoying fresh air and companionship in a responsible, productive way.