After knowing all the advantages of the bicycle, the bicycle that you should buy and after learning to ride a bike, it will surely be useful for you to know how to transport bicycles in the car. In this way, beyond doing bike routes or outings in places near your home, you can go to other parts of your community, the country or the world to enjoy your bike outings.
However, when carrying out the transport of this means of transport, it is recommended that you know the options available to do it safely and in compliance with current regulations.
Fines for improperly transporting bikes
If the bicycles are not transported in the proper way in the car, the agents can fine you. This penalty can range from 80 to 200 euros. For this reason, it is necessary to use the appropriate means for its transport.
How to properly transport bicycles
Before talking about the different options to handle for the transport of bicycles, if you want to know how to transport bicycles in the car, you should take into account that you need to have the appropriate accessories and that you take into account these tips:
- You must ensure that the bicycles are properly secured to prevent them from falling during transport.
- Places the V-20 signal whenever rear cargo is carried. It is preferable that you leave it in the trunk to use it when you need it.
- Make sure you have an insurance policy that covers damage to your bikes.
- You must drive smoothly and slow down to avoid an accident.
- The wheels and pedals must be fixed to prevent them from turning while driving.
- The accessories to be used must always be approved by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT).
- In the event that you remove the wheels of the bicycle so that they do not protrude, you will have to introduce them in the trunk properly secured.
Options to carry bicycles in the car
When it comes to transporting your bikes in the car, you have several options. The options that can be used are the following:
Trailer
One of the ways in which the transport of bicycles can be carried out is in a trailer, which must be duly approved; and must be appropriate for the particular car.
The drawback is that the car will be more difficult to man oeuvre, in addition to parking being difficult. As pros, it has the fact of being able to travel with a greater number of bicycles.
car interior
Bicycles can be transported inside the vehicle and it is one of the most comfortable options, since it does not affect the aerodynamics of the car. There is also no need for additional fastening elements and they help prevent theft when leaving the vehicle parked.
However, it will not be suitable for all cars since a large trunk will be needed. In the smallest it will be necessary to disassemble a wheel and this can cause some of its mechanisms to be damaged. It is a legal way to transport bicycles from one place to another.
However, from the General Directorate of Traffic it is established that bicycles must be properly fixed to parts of the vehicle, since otherwise they can become dangerous in the event of an accident.
trunk bike rack
Trunk bike racks are elements that have been created to carry out the transport of bicycles safely for both the driver and other road users.
Among its main advantages is its price, since there are very cheap options that are removable, in addition to being able to be disassembled, in addition to being able to be placed in small cars to free up interior space for luggage or occupants. Among its drawbacks is that the placement prevents the opening of the trunk while they are mounted; and it can also cause damage to the bodywork due to friction.
The bike rack must be approved, and be located on the vehicle in such a way as to prevent it from covering the rear lights or the license plate. If the latter is covered, an additional license plate and the corresponding signaling lights must be included.
You must be aware that the bicycles transported cannot protrude over the sides of the vehicle and the V-20 sign must be included to indicate the load.
on roof
Bicycles can be transported on the roof of the vehicle if an approved roof rack is installed. They are devices that are very simple to mount and do not require a V-20 signal to indicate the load.
The main problem to take into account is that you will have to pay attention to the height of your vehicle when passing through a tunnel, and you must also secure it to prevent the bikes from falling. They will also affect the vehicle’s aerodynamics and fuel consumption.
