Bike and Bella - A Great Outdoor Activity You Can Do With Your Dog

Written by Trista Polo and Bella, According to Bella

It was spring...and then it wasn’t...and it will be again. I’m listening for the birds’ songs and watching the buds bloom (even under a few inches of unseasonal snow). It’s the time of year people get their bicycles out of the garage and oil them up for the season.

I am not a very avid biker. There’s only one way you can get me on a 2 wheeler and that’s when I go biking with Bella! We go in our neighborhood, through school campuses during off hours, on the rail trail and the Walkway over the Hudson.

You can take your dog along on a bike ride in lots of ways...bike leash, bike trailer, or maybe a basket? Since Bella loves to run, we opt for the bike leash. It’s an aluminum bar with a rubber extender so there is mobility and also safety. We attach the leash with a harness so when Bella tries to lead us toward grass or other strolling dogs, she is not choked in the process.

I highly recommend this recreational activity for you and your dog. It’s the perfect activity to do together, especially your active and working dog breeds. It’s also more fun and a better workout than a walk for both of you.
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Some tips from Bella on the best way to use your Bike Leash -

• Stay away from grass because grass makes me want to sniff and that makes your wheels wobble in a funny way cause you’re trying to go straight and I wanna stop and smell the dandelions.
• Take lots of breaks because I’m better at sprinting than marathons.
• You have wheels but I just have my awesome and powerful legs. My human says I need breaks and I guess it’s good to catch my breath but I’ll never tell you to stop!
• We love to share water on the trip so we can go on longer trips without having to go home and get a drink - of course there is always a muddy ditch in a pinch!
• Bring a biking buddy because that makes me want to RACE and it’s so much more fun!
• Use a pad and paw balm often so my paws are protected from the (sometimes hot) pavement
• Bike with me often!

What do you think - are you ready to ride with your pup? I’d love for you to share a photo of you and your BFF on your favorite Spring and Summer outdoor activities!
​~ Trista and Bella​