Environment Transportation 8 Ways to Take Dogs on Bikes By Paula Alvarado Paula Alvarado Twitter Writer T.E.A. Paula Alvarado is an Argentine journalist who wrote for Treehugger for 7 years. She continues to write about sustainability for various publications. Learn about our editorial process Updated October 12, 2011 Share Twitter Pinterest Email booizzy / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0 Transportation Active Automotive Aviation Public Transportation Yes, this is all about cute-overload. But if you're a regular cyclist and have a dog as your very best friend, the question will eventually hit you: How can you take your pooch along for the ride? Whether you don't want to leave Fluffy alone, are hitting a park that's not around the corner, or need transport for an elderly dog too frail to walk, situations come up where running beside you just doesn't work. From extended bike frames with large boxes to little baskets to no accessory at all, here are 11 options for taking dogs of different sizes and levels of training with you. And mark your calendars: Sunday, April 24 is the International Day Of The Dog, a date instituted by Jan Fennell to encourage dog owners to give a little extra attention to their animal friends. 1 of 8 In Bakflets on a Trike Joe Futrelle / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 Also shown in our bike cargo series, Bakflets are a type of box usually attached to tricycles in order to carry around small kids in The Netherlands -- a trend that's quickly spreading around the world. Of course, they are also perfect for large dogs. In this photo, an Amsterdam dog owner is transporting two bulldogs around town. 2 of 8 In a Trailer booizzy / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0 Bike trailers were highlighted in the second chapter of our bike cargo series -- without a doubt they are a very flexible means of transporting almost anything. In this picture, bike rider Jen adapted a small trailer that had belonged to her niece and nephew. She modified the seat to make it more dog-friendly and added a short leash to keep her dog inside. Boo, the lovely canine pictured, unfortunately suffered from a degenerative back problem and biking was a good way of getting him around, according to the photographer. Sadly, he passed away last year. 3 of 8 In a B.O.B.-Type Trailer Carl Paulaner Hefe-weizen / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0 In this photo taken in Victoria, Canada, another type of trailer, similar to the Ibex model from B.O.B. Gear, is used to transport a larger dog. 4 of 8 In a Large Basket With Rack Paula Alvarado Large baskets supported by a rack are another option for dogs. This character and the four Caniche Toys are regulars at the Critical Mass Buenos Aires. 5 of 8 In a Small Basket at the Back Mark Oh! / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0 Personally I would like to see my dog when I'm riding, but if your canine friend is trained enough to sit still, you can follow the example of this guy in Bretagne, France, and try a basket placed on the back rack of the bike. 6 of 8 Standing on Bike Steering Monika.monika / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 Another doggy going commando: this one, standing on part of the frame and handle bars, is trained to wait while his owner shops at Shimokitazawa in Tokyo -- and clearly a pooch in shades reminds us it doesn't hurt to give your passenger a little style. 7 of 8 Laying On Bike Frame Felix Busso Laying your dog's hind legs on the frame of the bike and securing him at the handle bars is one more -- risky -- way of traveling with him. This dog at Critical Mass Buenos Aires loved the style and spent the whole afternoon in the position without causing his owner any trouble. 8 of 8 Anywhere! Jimmy Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 Not sure if this is really possible for most dogs -- or in any area of high traffic -- but this cyclist in Nice, France managed to carry his dog on his back. Still, this example makes the point that -- with a little practice -- you can come up with your own way. Carry your dog on your bike? Have tips? Let us know in the comments.