Do you feel like traveling with your bike but don’t know how to transport it on your car? Transporting a bike on a car incorrectly can be very dangerous for your safety and you may even be fined sometimes. However, it’s no big deal to do it correctly – keep reading and you’ll find some advice on how to transport your bike on a car in a safe and responsible way, with the help of different bike car stands.
Is it safe to carry a bike in the boot?
Many of us have used the boot when a bike carrier was not at reach. Although transporting a bike in the boot is legal, you should take some factors into account.
Place the bike so that it doesn’t stand over the seats thus preventing you from having a 100% clear rear window. It’s recommendable to tie the bike up correctly in order for it to not move inside the car. Keep in mind that in case of an accident, if your car is going at 35 mph, the bike weight will be 35 times heavier in case of a crash. That’s why it’s important to place it tightly secured. Consider that carrying the bike on the boot may end up damaging it. It should be carefully placed and protected, especially around its most delicate parts.
The best advice we can give if you want to transport your bike correctly and securely is to use a bike carrier.
Bike carrier types
There is a wide variety of bike carriers on the market, designed to satisfy consumers’ needs and that can be adapted to different vehicles.
We have made a list of the most common bike carrier types that can now be found in the market.
Trailer ball bike carriers
They’re a very comfortable and safe option to transport a number of bikes. In this category, you will find carriers that can take up to 10 bikes, and more modest and common ones, fit for two to four bikes. They’re a very functional option and can be used to transport any kind of bike.
This kind of bike carrier is very light and has the advantage that bikes can be placed on and hooked off very easily. Take into account that this kind of carrier tends to cover the rear plate of the car. It must be placed visibly for a safe and legal drive.
Tailgate bike carriers
This is the ideal option if you own a family car. How it’s positioned will depend on your car model, and it your rear plate will always be visible, unlike with a trailer ball carrier.
This alternative, also known as a boot bike carrier, allows for bikes to be fixed to it by a wheel and the frameset. Depending on the tailgate carrier model, an anti-theft system can also be attached.
This kind of bike carrier can fit up to 3 bikes at a time.
Car roof bike carriers
These are the most economic and used on the bike carrier market. They don’t interfere with the driver’s vision, as bikes are transported on top of the car roof. However, this means that the height of the car will increase when it’s mounted and when bikes are being carried. There are different attachments, as the bike can be held by the saddle or the fork; some ask for the front wheel to be detached and some have a central rail that allows to transport the bike fully assembled, holding it by both wheels.
At Santafixie, you’ll find different rooftop bike carriers by TreeFrog. Choose the one that best fits your need and transport your bike safely and comfortably.
Safety measures when using a bike carrier
Keep in mind that transporting a bike can modify the size of your car, change the recommended weight and cover elements that should and must be visible at all times, such as the car’s number plate and lights. No matter which type you choose, consider the following aspects in order to drive safely with a bike carrier on your car.
- The weight of the bike, together with the other elements in your car, cannot go over the recommended weight.
- If your bike is placed on the tailgate, it mustn’t exceed the width of your car. If this happens, you will have to detach both wheels.
- If your bike sticks out on the rear, a V20 safety sign will be mandatory.
- Your car’s rear lights and plates must be 100% visible at all times.
