THE CARGOBIKEDEMYSTIFIED 14 | Getting Around Cambridge W hen you hear the term “cargo bike,” what comes to mind? An aptly bearded hipster pushing a case of craft soda on the front bed of his custom built long-john? The cool mom who, week after week, tows her kiddos to the farmer’s market secured to the deck of her Xtracycle? The perception that only a highly dedicated class of cyclist can travel as such creates a misnomer of the term “cargo bike.” Anyone can ride a cargo bike because any bike can be a cargo bike. Wear a backpack and boom! — beard or no beard — you’re carrying cargo by bike. Since most people already own a backpack, this is the most simplistic and inexpensive way to carry cargo on your bike. But if you don’t want to be the mule that shoulders the cargo, there are lots of cargo carrying products out there that can help to lighten the load from your back. Individual bike travel needs are diverse. You may have to experiment to discover a cargo- carrying set-up that works for you and your family. Whether you’re haul- ing beer, produce or kids, once you understand your options, you’ll be shuttling family members and running errands in no time. This cascade of options can hone your focus to ride with cargo. ➤ Wear a backpack ➤ Strap bags directly to your bike ➤ Add racks or a basket to your bike ➤ Add panniers to your racks ➤ Attach a do-it-yourself (DIY) long tail to your bike ➤ Buy a full blown cargo bike ➤ Add an electric motor to your bike or get a bike that already has one ➤ Use a detachable bike trailer By BLAIR YOUNG & DAX BURGOS Photo: GRETCHEN ERTL CARGO Bikes S2017 CAMBRIDGE SWFIN.indd 2 5/20/17 6:58 PM