How to transport bicycles in the car: everything you need to know

Bicycles have always been part of our lives, since we were little, but now that we are adults and have the ability to drive a car, we have not left them behind. Many people continue to enjoy the pleasure of riding a bike, although it is now done in a different way. We use the bicycle as one more element of leisure and sometimes we have to carry it in our car. But do you know how to properly transport a bicycle in the car?

There are several ways of transporting a bicycle in the car, but this transport is subject to regulations that must include several safety measures, and not everything goes. For example, it can be carried inside the car or on a bike rack that can be installed in different places on the outside of the car. Let us review these ways of transporting a bicycle in the car and how it should be done correctly.

Transporting the bike in the car boot

If the bicycle fits inside the boot, it can be transported there perfectly well. You can even fold down the rear seats to gain more space. To transport the bike in the boot, it must be taken into account that the load must not obstruct rear visibility or movement.

This means that the bicycle must be secured in the car and must not obstruct either movement or visibility in the event of a sudden movement or braking. Like any other type of load, really.

External bike racks

External bike racks can be roof-mounted, tailgate-mounted, towbar-mounted or integrated into the vehicle itself. Let us look at each of them.

Roof bike racks

This system prevents the bicycles from interfering with rear visibility, as they are mounted on the roof of the vehicle. It must be taken into account that the bicycles must be securely fastened and must not move in the slightest. This way of transporting bicycles can cause problems if they move, and it affects aerodynamics and fuel consumption.

Tailgate bike racks

This bike rack is fitted to the rear tailgate and allows bicycles to be carried comfortably. That said, they cause a lack of visibility that prevents use of the interior rear-view mirror, and they must comply with specific rules.

For example, they must not protrude above the roof of the vehicle by more than 15% of the vehicle’s length. This means that on a four-metre vehicle, they must not protrude more than 60 centimetres above the roof of the car.

The bicycle must be securely fastened, so that it cannot move and cause problems while driving or for other vehicles. In addition, it must be properly marked with the V-20 sign, with white and red stripes, and under no circumstances may it exceed the width of the car or obstruct visibility through the exterior mirrors.

Nor may the lighting elements or the number plate be covered. If this could happen, all of them must be placed on the outer part of the bike rack.

Towbar bike racks

Towbar bike racks are fitted to the rear towbar, the well-known ball, and their specifications are identical to those of tailgate bike racks.

Bike trailer

The trailer must have a bike rack and the bicycles must be secured. The trailer must be fitted with signalling elements, such as the rear lights, the V-20 sign and the number plate, all clearly visible and working properly.