What is a "tandem bicycle"?

What is a "tandem bicycle"?

Pat Hines (Traffic Safety Educator & Executive Director, SafeMoves) gives expert video advice on: How do I ensure the quality of a third wheel attachment?; How can I keep my child safe while riding a third wheel attachment? and more...

A tandem bicycle is a two seater. It's made for two people. There is a seat for the front driver and there is a seat for the passenger, but both of the cyclists peddle. It's really a relationship of making sure that you work together because you have to peddle together. You have to lean together. The front part of the bike has the breaks, so the person in the back needs to know when you're stopping. So, it's a true relationship. You really do have to have some communication going when you're riding a tandem. Tandems are usually bigger bikes. So it's usually two adults riding a bike. It's very hard for a young child to ride a tandem with an adult because their feet won't be able to reach the pedals. So, tandems are usually ridden by two people of the same weight and the same height, unless you are a very small adult in which case you could ride it with your teenager. However, it's a good thing to remember that you both should be the same height and the same weight to safely ride a tandem.