Visiting the neighbourhood shops by bicycle can be a great alternative to driving out to a regional shopping centre.

• You don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot. It is often possible to lock your bike up right outside the front door.
• You get some exercise while you shop.
• Your local shops and markets get the custom they need to stay open.
• Fewer cars on the roads means safer streets with less noise and pollution.
• You will save money on fuel and vehicle running costs.

Using a bicycle to carry a few days supply of groceries or for top-up shopping is easy with the right accessories. The choice of load-carrying options for your bike will vary depending on how much shopping is involved. Here are a few alternatives:

BACKPACKS AND COURIER BAGS

A low cost option for moving small light loads. They are easy to carry and can be taken into the store. Backpacks or bum bags are suitable for carrying up to 5 kg of weight. Some well-designed courier bags can hold a bit more. Look for a pack or bag that has comfortable straps and provides good back ventilation.

RACKS

These create a flat carrying surface over the rear wheel. This can be used to strap or secure a load on top. They also act as a base for the attachment of panniers and baskets. Note that some racks have a strong spring-loaded gripping mechanism that may damage soft or fragile goods.

BASKETS

Baskets come in many sizes and styles. It is usually more efficient to place a larger basket on the back of the bicycle than on the front. Only place lighter items in a front basket. Rear baskets can usually accommodate more weight (up to 10 kg). Some baskets can be easily detached from a mounting bracket or handlebars and then carried into the store to be used while you are shopping. When fitting a basket, ensure it does not obscure lights and reflectors, or place pressure on brake cables.

TRAILERS

A more expensive option for carrying very heavy or awkward-sized loads over long distances. There are many different designs and your local bicycle retailer should be able to provide further information.

PANNIERS

These have the appearance of saddlebags that hang down either side of the front and rear wheel. Most are waterproof but if not, you can buy waterproof covers.
They have the benefit of low centre of gravity and are therefore very stable.

When packing a pannier, try to avoid placing pointed items directly against the sides as they may tear the lining.

Try to distribute the load evenly on both sides of the bike and if you have both sets, arrange items so that 60% of the weight is in the back pair and 40% in the front pair.
A bicycle fitted with panniers can usually carry a week’s grocery shopping (up to 10 kg in the front bags and 15 kg in the rear bags) without making it overly difficult to pedal.

CORRECT USE OF ACCESSORIES

Whenever attaching a rack, basket or bags to your bike, be sure to check that it does not obstruct the reflector, lights or your pedals and feet. Heavily loaded front baskets can make steering more difficult.

A FEW TIPS WHEN SHOPPING BY BIKE

Try to shop locally whenever possible. Find a route that avoids steep hills and busy roads. Buy less and shop more often. This is a great way to ensure you have fresh food. Ask local shops to arrange home delivery for bulky or very heavy items. \Keep your bicycle’s tyres pumped up to reduce drag. Check with your local bike shop about whether your tyres and rims can carry the extra load. Use a good bicycle lock and take your valuables with you into the shop. Don’t lean your bike against windows or leave it in the way of pedestrians. If your local shopping centre doesn’t have bicycle-parking facilities, ask the shopkeepers, centre management or your local government to install some.