Problem-solve my commute: Dropping off a kid with bikeshare?

[Mikey]

you would need something that links to the seat post since you are not going to want to mess with the rear axle. That said, any modifications to a CaBi bike may be a breach of the user agreement and may make you liable in case of an accident, or other mess. Getting a used bike on craig’s list may be you better option.

I don’t know any of this for sure; just speaking from the hip.

[Dirt]

Most of the trailers I’m aware of have a part that attaches to the bike in a fairly significant way. The trailer then has some kind of “quick release” that hooks into that part. The trailer is easy to get on and off, but the mount that attaches to the bike requires a little more effort.

We do have people who trailer their kids into daycare and convert the trailer into stroller mode for the trip up from the bike room. They use their own bikes for the ride part though.

Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. I’m pretty sure we’ve got some folks on the forum who trailer much more than I do. It has been a few decades since I used my canine transport trailer set-up.

Best wishes,

Pete

[baiskeli]

@Anna Phor 41564 wrote:

I currently commute via a combination of metro and bikeshare, but my childcare arrangements are about to change up, and I’m going to have to work a preschooler drop-off into the mix.

Anyone have any ideas about whether it’s possible to transport a 3 year old via bikeshare bikes? I’m 90% sure I once saw someone hook a trailer on to one of the bikes at a dock, but is this a possibility at all?

You should be able to hook up a two-wheel child trailer that has a simple clamp that grabs the frame. Mine did. You just slipped it over and tightened it. Here’s a pic of the clamp I’m talking about:

You almost certainly wouldn’t be able to hook up a trail-a-bike – the kind with just one wheel and pedals where the kid sits upright. Those usually need special clamps with a part permanently attached to the bike.

I presume you’re talking about the former, since your kid is only three.

Perhaps you should just have wheels surgically attached to your kid. I’m thinking about that option for mine.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@baiskeli 41575 wrote:

You should be able to hook up a two-wheel child trailer that has a simple clamp that grabs the frame. Mine did. You just slipped it over and tightened it. Here’s a pic of the clamp I’m talking about:

You almost certainly wouldn’t be able to hook up a trail-a-bike – the kind with just one wheel and pedals where the kid sits upright. Those usually need special clamps with a part permanently attached to the bike.

I presume you’re talking about the former, since your kid is only three.

Perhaps you should just have wheels surgically attached to your kid. I’m thinking about that option for mine.

Do the clamp style work with CaBis? Those usually clamp to chain stays, and CaBis seem to have abnormal chainstays.

[baiskeli]

@ShawnoftheDread 41577 wrote:

Do the clamp style work with CaBis? Those usually clamp to chain stays, and CaBis seem to have abnormal chainstays.

Yeah, I noticed that – they don’t really have chainstays at all. In my experience, this kind of clamp can be tilted to fit, hopefully enough to work on the seat stay, which looks like it would work. They usually are attached to the trailer with a spring thingie that’s flexible.

[baiskeli]

Just thought of something – attaching a trailer could be against CaBi rules. If so, it probably wouldn’t matter unless you’re in an accident with the trailer attached, which could have some kind of legal implications. Something to think about and look up.

[Anna Phor]

@essigmw 41571 wrote:

you would need something that links to the seat post since you are not going to want to mess with the rear axle. That said, any modifications to a CaBi bike may be a breach of the user agreement and may make you liable in case of an accident, or other mess. Getting a used bike on craig’s list may be you better option.

I don’t know any of this for sure; just speaking from the hip.

Alas, yes.

“g. Member agrees that access to the Service is denied to any person less than 16 years of age, whether or not accompanied by a parent or guardian. Minors who are at least 16 years of age may use the Service, but only if the Service is subscribed for by or under the responsibility of the minor’s parent or guardian; and, the parent or guardian is fully liable for all injuries, damages, and costs caused by the minor’s use of the Service.”
http://www.capitalbikeshare.com/user-agreement

Shoot. I am doing drop-off but not pick up, which is why the bikeshare would have been perfect.

[americancyclo]

This is the closest thing I could find that might apply.

Section 11 Prohibited Acts.
h. Member must not dismantle or modify a Capital Bikeshare bicycle in any way. This rule does not apply to the use of the seat height adjustment feature on Capital Bikeshare bicycles.

[americancyclo]

@Anna Phor 41590 wrote:

Shoot. I am doing drop-off but not pick up, which is why the bikeshare would have been perfect.

You could make an arrangement like this

You bike in with child, lock bike and trailer at school, take cabi from school to work.

Other, takes cabi to school, picks up child, bike and trailer, and rides home.

[baiskeli]

@baiskeli 41587 wrote:

Just thought of something – attaching a trailer could be against CaBi rules. If so, it probably wouldn’t matter unless you’re in an accident with the trailer attached, which could have some kind of legal implications. Something to think about and look up.

Just thought of this after not even noticing that essigmw had already thought of it, I mean. 😮

[Author]

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