canine velocipede

The advantages of a bicycle vs. walking/running for a human are obvious; distance, efficiency, and speed. Yet, we have failed to extend these advantages to our pets. I propose to rectify this situation by appropriate application of bicycle technology to man's best friend.

I don't believe a literal 'bi-cycle' is the way to do it, however. Although dogs have good senses of balance which show up in training for tricks, the learning curve for a dog to balance on a bike would be too steep for the average family, since the dog's motivation to do so is minimal. I propose instead a three or four wheeled platform built with bicycle wheels. On this platform would be a harness into which the dog could be fastened and a treadmill which would drive one of the wheels through a simple bicycle chain and sprocket arrangement. My thinking is that it should be direct drive, no freewheel, to provide the dog with the ability to slow down, as again I think teaching the dog to use brakes might be too difficult for the average pet owner. A safety-cage structure would surround the dog to protect against impacts and rollovers, as well as providing structural stability to the platform and allowing the dog to brace its body.

The dog's head would be fastened into a separate structure that would be geared to pivot the front wheel(s) to allow the dog to steer.

Of course, the dog would have to be introduced to the device under controlled conditions, like an empty parking lot, until he or she became familiar with its operation. But given most dogs' love of motion, hanging their heads out of car windows, etc. I think it would very quickly become second nature to them, just as a bicycle becomes second nature to an active schoolchild. When the owner was satisfied the dog was competent to handle it, the dog could be allowed to ride freely, in areas which do not have leash laws, of course. This would not pose a safety hazard, as dogs already run free in these areas, and this device would be much more visible to motorists than a dog running is. Those birght orange safety flags sometimes seen on bicycles could be affixed to the vehicle to ensure even greater visibility; some sort of lighting system would be advisable for night use, of course.

This also leads to another innovation; a new sport. Dog racing is of course already a popular sport, and dog owners are always having all sorts of impromptu contests when they meet in the park, but the introduction of the canine velocipede would open a whole new world of possibilities. Canine foot racing is dominated by greyhounds and whippets; but this might not be true for canine velociped racing; dogs of other sizes, breeds, builds, etc. might be able to compete successfully.

And for spectators who enjoy watching the athletic performance of a dog joyfully running, imagine the speed they could attain on a wheeled vehicle; my rough calculations show that they could cruise at an easy 30-40 mph, and who knows what their sprint speed could be.

Of course, the sky is the limit regarding accessories; for instance, a small pager-like device, to which the dog would be trained to return home for food. Perhaps even a video camera, live or taped, so that the dog's owner can share with the dog the enjoyment of its day.

These vehicles could also carry loads of various sizes; in the case of a large dog and a specially designed extra strong vehicle, quite a large load. The dog may then serve to assist the master carrying a burden from place to place, and many dogs are capable of being trained to travel between two points on a routine basis unsupervised, providing a simple and economical delivery service.

I look forward to the day when it will be as common for families to strap their dogs into their cycles and let them out the back door as it is today to just let them out to run. The sight of all those dogs whizzing happily by will be enough reward for me.