Which dog suits it?
One with stamina and a will to pull: husky, malamut, shepherds, pointers and their crosses. Physical structure and motivation matter more than the breed itself.
Speed and running
Bikejoring
The dog runs ahead of the bicycle and pulls, while you pedal as needed. Speeds are considerably higher than in canicross, so the directional commands have to be flawless.
About the discipline
What bikejoring is
Bikejoring is the sport in which one or two dogs pull a bicycle. The connection is made by a rigid bar mounted on the fork or by a bungee line kept well clear of the wheel.
It is ridden on dirt roads, wide trails and forest tracks. Speeds frequently exceed 25 km/h, which raises the stakes considerably on directional control.
Before bikejoring you teach the commands: right, left, forward, easy, stop. A dog that does not know them puts both of you in danger.
How it works in practice
What it involves
- a pulling bar or a bungee line with an antenna
- directional commands learned thoroughly beforehand
- trails free of motor traffic
- high speeds, so braking must be anticipated
- protective gear for the cyclist
- checking the ground condition before setting off
Which dogs it suits
- dogs with stamina and pulling drive
- dogs that already know the directional commands
- cyclists with off-road experience
It is not ridden on public roads with traffic. A sudden swerve by the dog at 30 km/h ends badly.
What you need
- a well-fitted pulling harness
- a rigid bar or bungee line with a spacer
- a helmet for the cyclist
- a bike with brakes in excellent condition
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Bikejoring
How fast does it go?
Frequently over 25 km/h, and more downhill. That is exactly why directional commands and anticipated braking are not optional.
Is it dangerous?
It can be, if you skip stages. You start slowly, on a straight, wide trail, once the commands work reliably in canicross.
What if the dog pulls too hard downhill?
Teach the easy command before you ride terrain with slopes, and brake early rather than at the last moment. On long descents keep a pace where the dog no longer actually pulls but simply runs ahead. A pair that has not mastered this avoids routes with big elevation changes.
The rule figures on this page come from IFSS - International Federation of Sleddog Sports. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
Scooterjoring
Pulling a specialised off-road scooter.
Skijoring
Cross-country skiing pulled by one or more dogs.
Sled Dog Racing
Racing with dog teams on snow.
Dryland Mushing
Team racing on dry ground.
We do not run Bikejoring
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.