Tips for Riding a Loaded Bakfiets

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Bakfiets means box bike in Dutch and they are a popular way on the continent of carrying larger loads and children. They aren’t difficult to ride compared to a ‘normal’ bike’ but they do require a few different techniques:

1. Smooth use of the kickstand is key to loading up and taking off and needs practice before heading off with heavy loads

2. Accelerate up to speed smoothly but as quickly as possible. Heavy loads will feel more stable once you get going (just like on a normal bike speed helps you to balance, but doubly so with a heavy load).

3. Don’t look at the front of the bike to try and control the bike, look at the road ahead and aim for where you want to go.

4. Remember you need a bigger turning circle on a bakfiets so allow for this.