Sunshine and headwind make a bike tour in summer particularly nice – but heat and direct sun should not be underestimated, especially when a baby is on board.
Because especially babies and toddlers cannot regulate their body temperature and are more susceptible to overheating and heat stress. So the safety of your child in the trailer is ensured, you're well prepared with the following tips.
Yes, cycling with a dog is permitted in Germany. The basis is § 28 of the Road Traffic Regulations, which provides an exception to the general ban on leading animals from a vehicle (1). The condition: you must be able to control your dog "sufficiently" at all times so that it does not endanger traffic. Local leash laws remain unaffected.
In Austria, leashing a dog to a bicycle is generally prohibited under § 99 (3) (f) StVO – violations carry fines of up to 726 euros (2). In Switzerland, by contrast, it is permitted as in Germany. Before touring abroad it is therefore worth checking the local rules.
Not every dog is suitable; breed, health and age are decisive. Well suited are enduring,
medium-sized to large breeds: Border Collie, Husky, Greyhound, Retriever, Setter or German Shepherd.
Particularly unsuitable are very small, short-legged dogs such as Dachshunds, very heavy breeds and brachycephalic dogs such as Pugs or
French Bulldogs. You should also not overtax old or chronically ill dogs.
A dog should not run alongside a bicycle before 15 to 18 months, large breeds often not until up to 24 months. Before then, bones and joints are not yet fully developed and starting too early can lead to chronic joint problems.
Increase the distance step by step and watch for signs of exhaustion such as heavy panting or stopping. The joints benefit from this caution too: with the right preparation, cycling with a dog is not harmful. What becomes problematic above all is constant running on hard asphalt or a skewed, one-sided posture.
The basic equipment includes a padded chest harness and a leash holder (springer) with a tension spring. Also important are reflective elements, water and a bowl, and paw protection on longer asphalt tours.
Always attach the leash to the frame via a leash holder, never to the handlebar or your wrist, otherwise a sudden pull can cause a fall. The collar must be replaced by a harness that distributes the pulling forces evenly. Always keep your dog on the right, away from moving traffic.
Get your dog used to the bicycle step by step: first sniffing, then pushing while the dog walks alongside, then short, calm rides. Introduce commands such as "slow" or "stop" early on as well.
At the start it can help to practice as a pair. One person pushes the bike while the other leads the dog. Then you can get on the bike and set off at a pace that is comfortable for the dog. Allow several days to weeks for this; every dog learns at its own pace.
If your dog pulls or shows fear, it is better to go back a step in the training rather than force it. Running off-leash is only allowed where no leash law applies, and only with reliable basic obedience. When in doubt, a leash with a damped holder is always the safer choice.
A dog trailer is worthwhile if your dog is too young, too old, ill or recovering. It is also the better
choice on long routes, in great heat or for small, short-legged breeds.
A suspended Qeridoo dog trailer offers considerably more protection than a bicycle basket: sheltered from wind, rain and
road dust, with enough room to lie down and turn around. Qeridoo is a safety expert for bicycle trailers and deliberately relies on a well thought-out
restraint system with two safety leashes inside.
Particularly practical: With the air-filled buggy wheel the trailer converts into a buggy in no time. That way it
can also be used for walks, which is practical in everyday life.
Ride at a calm pace, keep your distance from other road users and, where possible, avoid busy roads. Since one hand is often on the leash holder, you should ride especially carefully and avoid larger evasive maneuvers. In the dark, reflective gear on the dog is essential.
There are now around 10 million dogs in private households in Germany (3). Cyclists and dog owners therefore meet frequently on shared paths. Consideration on both sides makes traffic safer for everyone.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
No, no separate permit is needed in Germany. Only the requirements of § 28 of the German road traffic regulations apply.
As a rough guide, a shoulder height of about 40 centimeters applies, as smaller dogs reach their limits more quickly at the pace of a bicycle and are put under greater strain. For smaller dogs or those with very short legs, a bicycle trailer is the better choice.
A bicycle basket is mainly suitable for small, light dogs on short outings. A trailer, by contrast, offers more room and, besides better comfort, is also the safe solution for longer tours or larger dogs.
Signs of overheating are heavy, labored panting, sluggishness, staggering or the desire to lie down and not carry on. In that case you should stop immediately, offer your dog a shady, cool spot and water, and seek veterinary advice if the symptoms persist.
That varies from dog to dog, but getting used to it usually takes a few days to a few weeks. What matters is that the dog gets in voluntarily and stays relaxed in the trailer even over bumps, rather than being rushed.
In great heat, heavy rain or icy conditions you should switch to the trailer or postpone the tour, as these conditions are considerably more demanding for running dogs than for you on the bike. Mild, dry weather is best suited to longer training sessions.
