Shopping By Bike
If you want to do some shopping by bicycle, here are some things to think about:
- How much cargo capacity do you need to do the shopping you want to do?
- If you use a trailer, how will you keep your load protected from the elements?
- How do you pack your load and keep it secure?
- How will you carry your cargo once you reach your destination?
If you are carrying just a bag or two of groceries, you can probably just get by with a pair of panniers. However, if you need to carry a larger quantity of groceries, or larger things like lumber or furniture you will need a trailer or work bike/trike.
For smaller items, plastic bins work well for keeping things dry. For larger items, a tarp or large garbage bag will work well.
Pack heavy items on the bottom with lighter, more fragile articles on top. This not only reduces the chance of damaging your cargo, it also increases the stability of your bike. Bananas, bread, and eggs are especially fragile so pack these on top of everything else.
Once your cargo is packed, it is important to secure it tightly. If your load shifts in transit, it can be damaged. Pack things around your cargo so that it doesn't move or else use shock cords to tie it down securely.
If you carry your cargo in panniers or plastic bins, you can simply carry the cargo in them inside. This is an easy way to transport things and keep everything dry until you are inside.
