I want to use my car less. How can I use a bike, under my own power, to help to do this?

For many shorter journeys, bikes are an excellent, practical and healthy alternative. Apart from the obvious 'riding to places', bikes can be used for almost all the load carrying errands for which we turn to the car. If you want to carry or ride with the kids, do the shopping or carry some rubbish to the tip, look at some of the specialist bikes and equipment that we recommend.

How safe is it to carry my children by bike? A. Statistically and practically it is very safe. Bicycle based child carrying devices seem to get extra respect from the motorist. There are various systems that provide for carrying the child at the front of the machine - within the parents' field of view. Those that use child seats at the rear have comprehensive safety harness fittings.

How many children can I carry?

Usually one, but some systems like the Helios Duo can accommodate two children.

Some of the child carrying machines you recommend are quite expensive. What can I do when my child outgrows them?

The Helios Duo is a very versatile bike that is seen as a cycling solution for all family needs. Initially, it can accommodate non-cycling small children and luggage on its child carrying module, but as soon as they are able to pedal, the 'module' can be removed and they can pedal as on a normal tandem. For the other trike-based child carriers, there is a healthy and growing second-hand market and we also offer a bike trading service.

I already shop with a couple of panniers, but I find that a bit limiting for a bigger shop. What other options are there?

Have a look at the Helios Duo, its rack carrying module, as well as taking child seats, can take mulitple panniers or a large luggage box. The child carrying trikes also have some significant load carrying capacity and trailers are an increasingly popular solution.

Some of the load and child carrying solutions you recommend are wider than a conventional bike. Will I get in the way of other traffic and how does their width affect accessibility for cycle routes and entrances.

Motorists seem to give wider vehicles like trikes and trailers a wider berth and experienced trike riders are often surprised at the small space they are given when they get back onto a bike. Trikes and trailers are designed with a track width to go through cycle route barriers and standard doorways - though it is always worth checking this.