Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Going on a bike ride with your dog? 5 must-do safety tips

Whether your favorite bike trail is relatively flat or you prefer to cycle on hilly terrain, bike riding is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise. You’ll increase your endurance and lower your risk of disease—all while enjoying the great outdoors. But if you want to go on a bike ride with your dog in tow, you’ll need to follow a few guidelines to ensure a safe, enjoyable ride for you and your pooch. We’ll share important safety tips, advice to help your pup adjust to bike rides, and everything else you need to know to keep your dog secure during your outing. 

A shaggy brown and white dog wearing goggles and a white helmet sits in a bicycle basket.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Is it safe to cycle with a dog?

If you’ve ever wondered if you can cycle with your dog, you’ll be happy to learn that the answer is a resounding yes. However, there are caveats. Brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs, are genetically predisposed to breathing problems. They also tend to overheat easily, “so rigorous exercise like biking is not a good idea,” Haylee Bergeland, CPDT-KA, RBT, told Daily Paws.

Recommended Videos

While introducing some activities, such as swimming and agility training, at a young age can be beneficial for your dog, experts say you’ll want to hold off on taking him for a bike ride until he’s older. According to the cycling pros at Owayo, you shouldn’t take your dog for a ride “until he has completed his growth phase and his bones have hardened.”

We recommend consulting your dog’s veterinarian before you take him on a ride. Your vet knows if your pup is healthy enough for biking and may even be able to recommend bike gear for dogs.

How long should a bike ride last with a dog?

J. Leslie Johnson, author of “Bike With Your Dog: How to Stay Safe and Have Fun,” asks pet parents to begin their bike rides with a brief warm-up walk and give the pup a cool-down period after each ride. At first, rides should last 10–15 minutes, which will allow your pup time to acclimate to walking alongside you or riding in a basket or trailer. Your pooch can accompany you on short bike rides daily, but experts say you should switch to biking every other day once your cycling route reaches the 2-mile mark.

You’ll also want to take the weather into account. If the pavement is scorching hot, wait until it cools down before taking a large dog out for a ride. Stick to biking in the early morning or evening to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burned paw pads.

What do dogs need to cycle safely?

So, you’ve decided to take your pup cycling with you. We hope you have fun. But before you set off on your next adventure, here are our top five safety tips for cycling with your dog.

A chubby pug with his tongue out sits on stone tiles wearing a camouflage helmet.
Ezzolo / Shutterstock

1. Invest in a helmet and goggles.

Just as you should always wear a helmet while cycling, so should your dog. It’s also a good idea to pick up a pair of goggles to protect your fur baby’s eyes from the wind, the sun’s harmful UV rays, and road debris.

2. Take your pup biking in a trailer.

While large breeds can walk alongside you if they’re safely leashed (more on that in a second), small breeds may need a little help going the distance. Attaching a trailer to the back of your bike allows you to take your pooch along for the ride without taxing his tiny legs. Bike trailers are also fantastic for puppies and older dogs who may not have the stamina to accompany you when you hit the bike trails.

3. Make sure you use a bike leash.

Large breeds are more comfortable trotting alongside your bicycle than riding behind it, but that doesn’t mean you should allow your pup to walk unleashed. Not only will a proper leash leave your hands free to control your bike, but it also will keep Fido from running off after a squirrel.

4. Consider using a basket.

If the thought of pulling your dog behind you in a trailer unsettles you, you still have options. Attaching a dog basket to your bike allows you to keep your pooch in sight at all times. Look for a padded model like this affordable option from BABEYER to ensure your pup stays comfortable during the ride. We also recommend spending time training your dog to stay in his basket during rides. Start off slowly, and make sure he’s leashed into the basket and wearing a harness so he stays secure.

5. Dress your dog for the occasion.

As the weather continues to heat up, early mornings and late evenings become the best times for bike rides. Cycling during the coolest parts of the day will help you beat the heat, though you need to ensure that your pup is visible in low light. Whether he’s riding in a basket or walking alongside you, your dog should be outfitted in a reflective vest for maximum visibility. Many bike trailers are reflective, but you can also attach reflective tape to the back.

A German Pointer wearing a helmet and goggles photographed against a blue background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Biking with your dog is a fun activity, but you’ll want to do it safely. Make sure your pup is healthy enough for cycling, equip him with the proper gear, and don’t forget to warm up and cool down before and after each ride. Oh, and don’t forget the SPF and water for you and your pooch. Staying protected and hydrated are essential for pets and pet parents alike.

Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Are hydrangeas toxic for dogs? Read this first before letting your pup near your flowers
What to do if your dog eats hydrangeas — and whether they're poisonous
Greyhound on a leash in a yard

Pet parents may know the potential dangers of certain foods, like chocolate, for pets. However, risks within a home — and outside of it — aren't limited to pantry staples. Eating certain plants can also lead to short-term discomfort, long-term health issues, and even death. Holiday-favorite poinsettias are one of the more well-known examples of plants that are toxic to dogs.

There are others, including ones commonly found in gardens and bouquets each spring and summer. What about hydrangeas? Are hydrangeas poisonous to dogs? This one is a great question, given how ubiquitous hydrangeas are around the country. They thrive in various conditions and soils and add bulk and beauty to gardens — a true bang-for-your-buck plant for green thumbs, but what about pet parents? Here's what to know about hydrangeas, toxicity, and dogs.
Are hydrangeas poisonous to dogs?

Read more
Why does your dog smell bad? Here’s how to fix it
One of these things might be the cause of your stinky pooch
Dog leaning on human in blue sweater

Whether your dog is a young pup or an old buddy, a stinky canine could be a cause for concern, and not just for your nose! While we love that most of our dogs spend relaxing evenings on our laps or at our feet, it can sometimes be miserable to be so close to them when they are smelly. This is not only stinky for you, but also for them when you banish them to another room. So why does your dog smell so bad? Let's bring cuddling back into your nighttime routine and find out why your pup might be a stinky dog.

Why does your dog smell so bad?

Read more
Why you shouldn’t yell at a dog for destroying your home
Your dog destroyed your house (Step one: Don't yell)
Black puppy on the floor looking up

You left your home with a couch full of brand-new throw pillows with tags still on after a Home Goods or Target haul. In need of a coffee, you make the last exit, head to the local shop, and come back with your drink of choice in hand. You walk in the door ready to snuggle with your dog (and those throw pillows).

The problem? The throw pillows have been destroyed, and the couch is in dire straits. Your jaw is on the floor, as is the coffee you dropped.

Read more