Dog owners heading out on a spring bike ride with their pups could incur fines of up to £2,500.
The lead and harness experts at TopDog want dog owners to be aware that, under the Road Traffic Act 1988, cycling with your dog without being aware of the rules could see you prosecuted for dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling.
As a responsible cyclist, you must keep your pup secure, either in a basket or with a lead attachment device, and a safe distance from the wheels to allow you to keep focus on the road ahead and not endanger other cyclists, motorists or pedestrians.
What constitutes dangerous cycling?
Dangerous cycling is defined as “riding in a way which falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful cyclist”. This might include cycling with a dog in an unsecured basket or trailer, or a failure to keep your dog under control while it runs on a lead alongside you. This level four offence could result in a maximum fine of £2,500.
Careless or inconsiderate cycling, which is a level three offence and therefore carries a lower maximum fine of £1,000, is “riding without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road”.
Tips for cycling safely with your dog
When it is done with care, cycling with your dog by your side can be a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors and keep fit together. But before you grab your helmet and lead, there are a few things to consider to make sure your bike ride is safe.
Begin with short sessions at walking pace so your dog can get used to the movement of the bike, your position and any lead attachment, rewarding calm behaviour and stopping before they become tired. If you’re uneasy about cycling with your dog and want to build confidence before hitting the path, start by practising in a low‑pressure environment such as an enclosed yard or a quiet, traffic‑free park path which allows cycling.
A well-fitting harness is a safety and comfort must-have for cycling with your dog. The harness distributes pressure across your dog’s chest and shoulders, rather than their neck, which is crucial if you need to brake suddenly.
When selecting a harness, look for these key features:
- Y-shape: A harness with a Y-shape design allows for full, unrestricted movement in the shoulders, which is essential when your dog is trotting or running. It prevents chafing and ensures your dog can move naturally.
- A D-ring on the back of the harness: This keeps the lead away from your dog’s legs and prevents it from getting tangled in the bike’s wheels.
- Durable, padded material: Choose a harness made from strong, weather-resistant materials. Padding on the chest and back straps will add extra comfort and prevent rubbing, especially on longer rides.
- Adjustable fit: Look for an adjustable harness to ensure you can get a snug, secure fit. The harness should be tight enough that your dog can’t back out of it, but you should still be able to fit two fingers comfortably underneath any of the straps.
On roads or in low-light conditions, a high-visibility harness or jacket should always be worn. At night or in the winter, go one step further and add a light to their harness.
John Skinner, co-founder of TopDog, says: “For the safest cycle with your dog, you need a secure, ergonomic harness that moves with the dog, providing comfort over distance and ensuring you have reliable control in any situation. This will help prevent you from falling foul of cycling safety rules.”
Essentially, much of the etiquette of cycling with your dog is simply a combination of what should already be your typical dog walking and cycling behaviours:
- Be considerate of other people and animals on your route
- Keep your dog on a short lead and under control when passing other dogs
- Announce your presence when approaching pedestrians by ringing your bell
Head to TopDog’s blog for a full guide on cycling with your dog safely.
Photo by Zen Chung: https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-black-male-petting-akita-dog-after-training-in-park-5745240/
