Cycling with the dog

[SilverSteno]

I've started cycling with my dog but someone told me it is illegal! I've looked on the internet but there is nothing about it being against the law to cycle with the dog (I have one of those things to keep the dog a certain distance from the bike that has a spring to reduce the effect of pulling). I wouldn't have thought they'd be able to sell them if ccycling with dogs is illegal!

So does anyone know the "rules" of cycling with the dog?

Also, I was reading about getting booties for the dog to stop their paws getting sore from running alonngside the bike does anyone recommend using these? Haven't been cycling any distance with my dog yet as I'm building up her and my own fitness for cycling (mostly my own)

(My dog is a lab x collie if anyone wants to know, my aunt is also wanting to cycle with a friends dalmation)

[feorag]

Can't help you about the law, but if you use common sense you shouldn't need booties - that depends on the kind of distance you're going to cycle and whether it will all be tarmac.

When I had my 2 Afghan Hounds I cycled with one of them on either side on minor roads in the Newcastle suburbs and was never stopped. Course that was back in the 70s when traffic wasn't as manic as it is today and laws weren't so strict.

[Corsetts]

Purely out of nosiness (my dog is too old to run with the bike now) but have you got a link for that spring thing?

I tried cycling with my dog when he was younger and I just couldn't walk or run with him long enough to satisfy him but he just kept charging under the wheel or trying to chase rabbits with disastorous effects

[LoveForLizards]

It is illegal on roads (and those walky dog things state that it isnt to be used on roads) purely because of the dogs safety. You can only LEGALLY cycle in permitted cycle routes and permitted dog walking areas.

I have one problem with the walky dog type things, if the bike falls over and the dog is confident enough to be by the bike, well.....You get the gist.
If I was to do cycling the dog would have a proper running harness and I would make an attachment so the dog had to walk in front of the bike as opposed to the side.

ETA: I also forgot to add, you dont need booties anymore then you would for walking.

[LoveForLizards]

Originally Posted by Corsetts

Purely out of nosiness (my dog is too old to run with the bike now) but have you got a link for that spring thing?

I tried cycling with my dog when he was younger and I just couldn't walk or run with him long enough to satisfy him but he just kept charging under the wheel or trying to chase rabbits with disastorous effects

Walky|Bice|WalkyDog®|A Dog Lead which attaches to a Bike|Walky Dog|Walky

[ownedbyroxy]

Where can you cycle. Cos i thought it was illegal to cycle on the pavement? On cycle paths i presume is oki but would be pretty stuffed when to get on and off the cycle path....
or am i just being daft??
just being curious, i couldnt cycle with my dog, she is constantly getting in the way of the buggy so would be a blooming nitemare!!

[LoveForLizards]

Originally Posted by ownedbyroxy

Where can you cycle. Cos i thought it was illegal to cycle on the pavement? On cycle paths i presume is oki but would be pretty stuffed when to get on and off the cycle path....
or am i just being daft??

Most cycle paths allow people to cycle with dogs, if there isnt a no-dog sign at the start of the cycle route/path then most the time dogs are allowed on there. If you phone up your county council they will be able to tell you where you can and cannot cycle with dogs. Alot of the cycle routes/paths will tell you at the start if you cant take a dog on there.

[SilverSteno]

Originally Posted by ownedbyroxy

Where can you cycle. Cos i thought it was illegal to cycle on the pavement? On cycle paths i presume is oki but would be pretty stuffed when to get on and off the cycle path....
or am i just being daft??
just being curious, i couldnt cycle with my dog, she is constantly getting in the way of the buggy so would be a blooming nitemare!!

Yes, it is illegal to cycle on the pavement (though I don't think that is enforced as I see plenty of people doing it!).

I don't know if cycling with dogs on cycle paths is allowed or not, hence my question.

I used to cycle with my old dog years ago and that was great fun, really gave her some excercise even though it still never tired her out! Didn't take her long to get used to it either and never had any issues with her getting in the way of the bike either.

[Corsetts]

Originally Posted by LoveForLizards

Walky|Bice|WalkyDog®|A Dog Lead which attaches to a Bike|Walky Dog|Walky

Cool, thank you

[Andy]

I am sure they wont lock you up for it!