Amber contacted TCA asking for advice on experiencing tandeming inexpensively as a family, just “to have fun with” and “tool around town.”  We seem to get asked questions like this frequently, so here’s my advice for Amber and others like her:

1 – STAY LOCAL.  If you find a local listing on Craigslist, Ebay, etc. that interests you, drive on over and take a test ride.  But don’t buy sight unseen and don’t pay to have a bike shipped to you at this stage.  For your casual interest level, don’t worry about brand, features, or price.  You should be able to find something locally.

2 – START WITH YOUR LOCAL BIKE CLUB.  Look for a family-oriented group that promotes safe cycling for kids. Maybe someone has a tandem to loan you.  This time of year many locations run bike safety clinics and tandem rides for sight-impaired.  These are good places to ask about your interests and make some contacts.

3 – MODIFY A SINGLE BIKE.  Depending on the age of your kids, a good option might be installing a “kid back” to the back of your adult single bike for them to ride with you.  Or if the kids are really little, tow them in a “bugger” trailer.

4 – MAKE SURE ALL ADULTS AND CHILDREN RIDERS ALWAYS WEAR WELL-FITTING HELMETS.  ‘Nuff said on that topic…