98
. Taking children with you
. Child trailers
Special child trailers to be drawn behind a
bike, are usually designed to accommodate
up to two children. Children can play in the
trailer without any danger of toys falling out.
Some models provide the option of mounting
a sunshade or rain shield.
Trailers mainly affect the braking response of
your bike, while other performance aspects
remain largely unchanged. One drawback is
that child trailers occupy far more width than
the bike would alone. Moreover, trailers are
not very high and therefore liable to be over-
looked by others. For this reason, equip your
trailer with a long pole with coloured pennant
to increase visibility. Also, first practise draw-
ing the trailer without passengers. A rear-
view mirror will allow you to keep an eye on
the trailer and its occupants while riding.
Trailers should be equipped with all the reflec-
tors that are also required for bikes. If you use
it in the dark, illuminate the rear end of the
trailer with at least one battery/accumulator-
operated lamp.
Please make sure the child you carry wears
a helmet. A trailer is an insufficient protection
in the case of an accident!
Before towing a trailer with your bike,
check whether your bike is suited
for it by reading chapter 27.
“Assembling
and equipping MERIDA frames”
. In case of
doubt, ask your MERIDA dealer for advice.
Always buckle up the child, as erratic
movements inside the trailer can make
the trailer topple over.
Make sure the child you are taking
with you wears a helmet!
Keep in mind that towing a trailer alters
riding behaviour and braking
response.
Make it a rule to always ride at an
adequate speed and never off-road.
Never exceed the permissible overall
load of the trailer and make sure to
read the operating instructions of the trail-
er.
