Dekra warns: Children must be secured in a cargo bike

Dekra’s safety experts warn against unbuckled children in cargo bikes, especially those with the loading area in front of the handlebars. In a report with video and photo series, Dekra highlights the dangers that await children who are not secured while sitting on the loading area. Unsecured cargo can also pose a danger.nnBut one thing is clear: Children are not cargo!

(Stuttgart) The trend towards cargo bikes is unbroken. The offerings are constantly growing, and sales figures are rising. Studies suggest that in the future, around 50 percent of all motorized goods transport in cities could be handled by cargo bikes. Not only transport and delivery services or craftsmen have recognized the advantages of cargo bikes, but families are also jumping on the trend. Increasingly, parents are seen transporting their children not in a bike seat or trailer, but in a cargo bike. DEKRA accident researchers provide clear recommendations regarding safety.n

Dangers of unbuckled children

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• Braking attempt: Unbuckled child dummy thrown out

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• Severe head injuries would be the result – especially without a helmet

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• Appeal to bike dealers: Safety should be the focus during consultations

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nThe advantages of cargo bikes for parents and children are obvious: Usually, two children can be transported without any problems, unlike a classic bike child seat. Additionally, the little ones have plenty of space and a clear view, and they are – unlike in a trailer – in the parents’ line of sight. There are many reasons to choose a cargo bike, provided that safety is also considered.nnIn this regard, the results of a series of tests for the current DEKRA Road Safety Report “Mobility on Two Wheels” are clear: Children are only safe in a cargo bike if the bike is equipped with a securing system – and if it is used. Because the braking performance of modern cargo bikes is very convincing.n

Real test at Lausitzring

nAt the DEKRA Technology Center at Lausitzring in Brandenburg, experts tested various scenarios with a child dummy. In one case, the dummy was secured with the securing system provided by the manufacturer, while in the other case, it was sitting unbuckled in the cargo box. Braking was done using the bike’s own brake from 25 km/h.n

Video of the test

n”The secured dummy hardly changed its position during braking,” says Peter Rücker, head of DEKRA accident research. “In contrast, the unbuckled dummy was thrown out of the box and hit the road with its head. Severe head injuries would have been the result of such an accident – especially without a helmet.”Therefore, the motto from the perspective of DEKRA experts can only be: Anyone transporting children in a cargo bike should secure them under all circumstances. A helmet is also strongly recommended for protection in collisions with other road users.nnThe advice to bike dealers is equally clear: When selling cargo bikes, the planned use must be discussed with the customer. If the transport of children is a possibility, the dealer should strongly advocate for the purchase of a suitable model with a securing system during the consultation. “The images from our braking test provide compelling arguments,” says Peter Rücker.n

The DEKRA Road Safety Report

nSince 2008, DEKRA has published an annual Road Safety Report on a specific topic. The 2020 report deals with mobility on two wheels. The road safety in connection with bicycles, pedelecs, e-scooters, and motorcycles is examined by DEKRA experts from various perspectives. Concrete demands and recommendations regarding technology, infrastructure, and the human factor are presented at the end.nnThe online portal www.dekra-roadsafety.com offers the contents of the report and its predecessors, as well as in-depth information, including moving images of the braking test with the cargo bike. Additionally, all DEKRA Road Safety Reports can be downloaded as PDFs.nnPhoto/Video: © Dekrannwww.dekra.de