ADAC tests bicycle load systems: This is where children face the greatest danger

The pictures are terrifying. The ADAC has tested various cargo bikes and bicycle trailers for their road safety. It becomes particularly dangerous when children are being transported.
More and more people use bicycles not only to go on a bike tour, but also to bring loads from A to B or to take children to daycare.
The range of cargo bicycles is large – one or two-lane bicycles are particularly popular in large cities, but the well-known bicycle trailer continues to enjoy great popularity.
But how safe are the new and old systems in road traffic?
The ADAC has tested various models.
Basically, it can be said that there is no such thing as one perfect bicycle transport solution.
Every single system has advantages, but when it comes to safety, one thing applies to all: catching up to do!
In the horror scenario that the ADAC recreated in its crash test hall, the car hit the various bicycles at 30 km / h and at an angle of 45 degrees.
Five different systems were tested, each with an adult dummy and two child dummies.
Both bicycles with transport boxes overturned as a result of the impact. Disastrous, because the smooth surface of the box made it slide much further than other systems – in the worst case, they could end up in oncoming traffic.
The “Long John” model revealed another source of danger: the seat belts are attached to the folding bench. In the event of an impact, this bench seat is torn from its anchoring and the restraint function of the belt is lost.
The “Backpacker” cargo bike offers a little more security than the other systems thanks to its elevated seating position and the bike trailer thanks to its closed construction.
The “follow-up” performed worst. In the test, the child was exposed to the full impact of the car. The hips and legs are hit directly, in the worst case the child’s head hits the asphalt.
In summary, every single one of the bikes tested has advantages and disadvantages.
Those who want a high level of safety for their children are well served with the “backpacker” model and the “spring-loaded bicycle trailer”.
The single-track cargo bike “Long John” is best suited for longer bike tours and occasional shopping.
A car replacement is the two-lane cargo bike. Two children or even heavy shopping bags can be comfortably transported here.
The trailer is the right choice when usually only one child needs to be transported and to quickly mount children on the train bike when driving uphill.
Regardless of which system parents choose, they should make sure that children are always protected by a bicycle helmet.