There's good news for parents who want to introduce young children to the joy of bicycle riding but are concerned about safety.
A safer bicycle ride for both parents and young children may be available thanks to what's been described as a design breakthrough in child carriers.
Even with a proper helmet, many parents find it challenging to ride with their child behind them. Some are fearful that sudden moves on the part of the child can make it difficult to steer and maintain balance. Others have reported that it's common to be kicked when the child rides behind in a standard carrier.
All that may be changing thanks to a family-owned company called Kent Bicycles. They've developed a child carrier that mounts in front of the person powering the bicycle. Called The Kangaroo, the carrier is said to make riding with a small child safer and more fun.
The carrier offers what the company calls an interactive approach to bicycling. That's because with the child in front of the driver, it's easier for parent and child to interact and communicate. It's also easier for the parent to maintain control of the child's movements. Plus, since they are riding up front, "where the action is," children are likely to find the ride more interesting and entertaining.
Experts say that since the carrier is mounted in the center of the bike, and not the rear, it is safer and gives the bike and the riders more stability should a child shift his or her weight.
The Kangaroo is designed for children from 10 months to four years of age.
The company's history dates back to the early 1900s. Its bikes and related accessories are said to incorporate the latest advances in design and technology at an affordable price. The company refuses to ship a product until it is confident it is safe enough to be used by the families of its employees.
