Spectrum / cargo bike: Especially in cities, the cargo bike is becoming increasingly popular with parents. Who is surprised? For distances of sometimes less than 2 kilometers to go shopping, to work or on the way to kindergarten, the cargo bike is an attractive alternative for many, also due to the lack of parking space. Now the DEKRA accident researchers are sounding the alarm: Children are only allowed to ride properly secured.
DEKRA road safety report "Mobility on two wheels"
In contrast to classic bicycle child seats, parents can often transport two children with the cargo bike. The cargo bike is also more comfortable for everyone involved than the classic bicycle trailer. Clear view, comfort and best possible security only go hand in hand if the children traveling with you are properly buckled up.
The results of a study presented for the DEKRA road safety report "Mobility on two wheels" speak a clear language: It is only safe for the youngsters to ride along if the cargo bike used has a seat belt system that is used consistently.
Crash test: Why buckle up is so important
In order to clarify the importance of the safety devices, the experts in the DEKRA Technology Center at the Lausitzring carried out numerous tests with children's dummies. While the buckled dummy hardly changed its position when braking from 25 km/h, the effects on the unbuckled dummy were dramatic:
“On the other hand, the unbelted dummy was thrown out of the box and hit its head on the road. Such an accident would have resulted in severe head injuries – especially without a helmet. […] The pictures of our braking test provide impressive arguments.” Peter Rücker, Head of DEKRA Accident Research
For this reason, the urgent appeal of DEKRA accident research to all parents is unequivocal: If you want to transport your children in a cargo bike, then do so only buckled up and with a crash helmet. Consider the aspect of an existing or at least retrofittable seat belt system when purchasing a cargo bike.