General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer? Rss Feed  
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2013-05-10 11:38 AM

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Science Nerd
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Subject: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?

My daughter is now 17 months old and ready for riding in the bike trailer with me.  We have a Burley Solo, so it has a rollbar (won't tip over if I do), a 5-point harness, and is really sturdy.  I'm wondering if I should have her wear a helmet in it or not.  I want her to be understand that wearing a helmet is important, but I'm not sure that a helmet in a trailer is going to provide that much additional protection in a crash.  Basically, for the trailer to crash, we'd have to get hit, and a kids' helmet isn't going to help.  I'm also concerned that a helmet will push her neck too far forward against the back of the trailer seat.

So, parents, what do you do?  How do your kids ride in the trailer?



2013-05-10 12:05 PM
in reply to: #4736625

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
We never leave home without our helmets appropriately strapped to our heads. See pic in this thread: http://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid...
2013-05-10 12:15 PM
in reply to: #4736625

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
It really doesn't matter if it's actually safer or not, most states have laws that kids using bike type propulsion must have helmets on.

Even if there isn't one in your state, I guarantee you the minute you leave the house with a kid without one, even if the kid is otherwise wrapped in bubblewrap, there'll be eighteen 911 calls to the police and at least as many to social services talking about how you need your kids taken away from you for their own good.

Not that I'm in the least bit jaded or anything.

2013-05-10 12:17 PM
in reply to: #4736701

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?

DanielG - 2013-05-10 1:15 PM It really doesn't matter if it's actually safer or not, most states have laws that kids using bike type propulsion must have helmets on. Even if there isn't one in your state, I guarantee you the minute you leave the house with a kid without one, even if the kid is otherwise wrapped in bubblewrap, there'll be eighteen 911 calls to the police and at least as many to social services talking about how you need your kids taken away from you for their own good. Not that I'm in the least bit jaded or anything.

Good point.  Didn't even think about laws about it.

I guess the next question is any helmets that work better? Or ways to make it more comfortable in the trailer with a helmet?

2013-05-10 12:17 PM
in reply to: #4736625

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
We bought a helmet very similar to this for my son when we started putting him the trailer. The back has a different shape to avoid the whole head forward issue...

http://www.rei.com/product/858585/louis-garneau-baby-boomer-bike-he...
2013-05-10 12:20 PM
in reply to: #4736705

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?

It's also good for getting your kids in the habit of associating anything "bike" associated with "must wear helmet" from an early age. 

OT slightly, but around here I see lots of families on bike rides where the kids have on helmets but the grownups don't.  Always bugs me, but it ain't my business.



2013-05-10 12:23 PM
in reply to: #4736706

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?

I guess to ME, there is no question.  They get a helmet.

First of all, if it's marginally safer for my kids, I would probably lean that direction.  But more importantly, I think teaching them the lesson that when you are out doing those kind of activities, to have the habit of using a helmet.

Maybe it's SUCH a habit with me, I cringe when I see people out riding without helmets, and even worse, in traffic on scooters without them - just because the helmet law doesn't apply to scooters here, it just seems stupid to be doing 35-45+ mph in traffic without one.

2013-05-10 12:32 PM
in reply to: #4736714

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
danimal123 - 2013-05-10 1:20 PM

It's also good for getting your kids in the habit of associating anything "bike" associated with "must wear helmet" from an early age. 

I'm in this camp.  Bike, trailer, big wheel, scooter - they just know it's time to put on a helmet.  To me, that's just as important as safety.  I put on my seat belt before the car moves even if it's just a few feet with no traffic.

 

2013-05-10 12:34 PM
in reply to: #4736625

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?

I grew up NEVER wearing a helmet when I was on a bike. Now with children of my own - I won't leave home without mine on, and when I take them with me in a bike trailer - they have theirs on too. I wouldn't have it any other way. Over protective - maybe, but they are God's gift to me - and I don't want to be without them in my life. If a helmet would ever save them - I think $20 bucks is a good investment.

2013-05-10 12:37 PM
in reply to: #4736736

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
Goosedog - 2013-05-10 1:32 PM
danimal123 - 2013-05-10 1:20 PM

It's also good for getting your kids in the habit of associating anything "bike" associated with "must wear helmet" from an early age. 

I'm in this camp.  Bike, trailer, big wheel, scooter - they just know it's time to put on a helmet.  To me, that's just as important as safety.  I put on my seat belt before the car moves even if it's just a few feet with no traffic.

 

I'd also been thinking about that.  I want her to be used to a helmet and know that it goes with bike riding.  Much the same way that being in the car means you go in the car seat.

2013-05-10 12:38 PM
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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?

caffer - 2013-05-10 1:17 PM We bought a helmet very similar to this for my son when we started putting him the trailer. The back has a different shape to avoid the whole head forward issue...

That's a great recommendation. I've been trying to find one like that. Love that it's on closeout and at REI.



Edited by Artemis 2013-05-10 12:42 PM


2013-05-10 12:40 PM
in reply to: #4736625

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?

I took my daughter mountain biking one time when she was an infant.  The trailer tire hit a root on one of the switchbacks, and flipped.  Despite being belted in with a 5 point harness, she had enough movement that her helmeted head was in contact with the (hard, rocky) trail through the roof material of the trailer.  That was validation enough for me...

 

SYJ

2013-05-10 12:40 PM
in reply to: #4736625

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2013-05-10 12:45 PM
in reply to: #4736625

Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?

I've been re-convinced that we need a helmet.  Ordered this one.  Hopefully, the cats on it will help encourage her to wear it.

 

helmet

2013-05-10 12:45 PM
in reply to: #4736625

Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
Here ya go

http://simpsonraceproducts.com/head-neck/hybrid_rage.html
HYBRID PRO RAGE
Head and Neck Restraint
SFI 38.1 Certified, FIA Approved
SIZES: Youth, XS-XL
PRICE:
STARTING AT $595.00
2013-05-10 12:48 PM
in reply to: #4736767

Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?

DanielG - 2013-05-10 1:45 PM Here ya go http://simpsonraceproducts.com/head-neck/hybrid_rage.htmlHYBRID PRO RAGE Head and Neck Restraint SFI 38.1 Certified, FIA Approved SIZES: Youth, XS-XL PRICE: STARTING AT $595.00

Almost when with that, but they don't seem to have the right slides for the bike trailer.



2013-05-10 12:55 PM
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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?

DanielG - 2013-05-10 1:45 PM Here ya go http://simpsonraceproducts.com/head-neck/hybrid_rage.htmlHYBRID PRO RAGE Head and Neck Restraint SFI 38.1 Certified, FIA Approved SIZES: Youth, XS-XL PRICE: STARTING AT $595.00

FYI, the fire suit is only required the morning after a curry. :-D

2013-05-10 12:59 PM
in reply to: #4736625

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
Prior to this thread I had never even thought of putting a helmet on my daughter when she's in the trailer.  We discussed yesterday getting her one just because right now she is stealing her brothers' helmets. 
2013-05-10 1:02 PM
in reply to: #4736773

Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
Artemis - 2013-05-10 1:48 PM

DanielG - 2013-05-10 1:45 PM Here ya go http://simpsonraceproducts.com/head-neck/hybrid_rage.htmlHYBRID PRO RAGE Head and Neck Restraint SFI 38.1 Certified, FIA Approved SIZES: Youth, XS-XL PRICE: STARTING AT $595.00

Almost when with that, but they don't seem to have the right slides for the bike trailer.



I'm going to write to them to correct that oversight!


2013-05-10 1:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
In my county it is required to have a helmet on for all on bikes. I assume this applies to the trailers as well. I make my daughter where hers and also when she is riding her bike I do the same even though it is only a strider balance bike. I want her to be in the habit of wearing a helmet no matter what.
2013-05-10 5:34 PM
in reply to: #4736625

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
You need them in the mindset that helmets are cool and associated with having fun with dad on the bike. The, when she gets her first bike, she'll automatically put on the helmet.


2013-05-10 7:46 PM
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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
syjenkins - 2013-05-10 10:40 AM

I took my daughter mountain biking one time when she was an infant.  The trailer tire hit a root on one of the switchbacks, and flipped.  Despite being belted in with a 5 point harness, she had enough movement that her helmeted head was in contact with the (hard, rocky) trail through the roof material of the trailer.  That was validation enough for me...

 SYJ

We've flipped ours two when going from a rocky path to pavement.  Definitely use a helmet.

2013-05-10 7:59 PM
in reply to: #4736625

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Austin, TX
Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
I never used a helmet on my son when he was in a trailer.
It never occurred to me to take the trailer off pavement either.
I never dumped the trailer on any of our rides.
He is almost 18 now.
2013-05-11 3:21 AM
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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
My friend puts a helmet on her little one, and I thought that was a really good idea.
2013-05-11 6:50 AM
in reply to: #4736625

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Subject: RE: Kids Wearing Helmets in Bike Trailer?
This does not really have anything to do with the OP's post but I saw a family out for a bike ride  through the middle of town the other day. They were riding on the sidewalk and Dad was in front riding his bike with his dog on a leash. He was being followed by Mom with infant baby strapped on the front of her in a baby carrier with babies arms and legs just hanging there. Babies head was only supported by the fabric of the carrier. No one was wearing a helmet. It made me a little sick to my stomach.
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